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Michigan woman accused of killing 15-year-old son chooses to waive right to participate in trial

Shanda Vander Ark is charged with first-degree child abuse and open murder in the death of her son Timothy Ferguson.

NORTON SHORES, Mich. — After nearly four hours of questioning on Thursday, the woman accused of torturing and killing her 15-year-old son has waived her right to appear in court on Friday.

Shanda Vander Ark is charged with first-degree child abuse and open murder in the death of her son Timothy Ferguson.

Vander Ark decided Friday morning that she would not participate in her trial, waiving her right to be there and will let her defense team continue with the proceedings.

Her defense attorney says that Vander Ark was suffering from "medical distress" and chose not to leave jail.

The judge indicated that it was unknown whether or not Vander Ark will appear again in court.

Thursday, the court indicated that Vander Ark would return to the witness stand on Friday and field questions from the jury. Now that Vander Ark has waived her right to appear today, those questions will not be asked.

It is unclear exactly what "medical distress" Vander Ark is suffering from.

Despite Vander Ark not appearing, the trial did continue with the defense resting and the prosecution calling a rebuttal witness to the stand.

You can find a recap of day one of the proceedings here and day two of the proceedings here.

You can watch the entire court proceedings here:

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