HUDSON – Steven Bennett, 61, and his partner, 50-year-old Heidi Tranberg-Bennett were charged with manslaughter in the second degree for the death of their 12-year-old daughter last month in county court. On Friday afternoon, Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka successfully argued in family court to have the Bennett’s four grandchildren taken into protective custody.
In December of 2019, the Bennett couple’s 12-year-old daughter died. Two autopsies say that the cause of death was an undiagnosed kidney disorder. When the child died, Child Protective Services (CPS) removed the girl’s three siblings, ranging in ages from five to twelve, from the house and placed them in a residential facility. The four grandchildren were also taken into the custody of CPS in December and then returned after a period of time. The four adult children, one of whom has four children of her own, remained in the residence.
DA Czajka pleaded with the judge, saying, “I respectfully request that you remove those children to prevent another tragedy.” Michael Sussman, attorney for the parents objected, noting that there was no proof that the grandchildren were in danger. County Court Judge Richard Koweek granted Czajka’s motion and the children, ranging in age from three to nine, were taken into custody by CPS. The children were in the courthouse at the time of the proceeding and the adult family members were given an opportunity to have an emotional few minutes with the kids before CPS took them away.
Czajka also noted in court that “Evidence received indicates that others are culpable” in the death of the girl and they may face charges as well. He was referring to the four adult children, ranging in age from 19 to 26. The 26-year-old is the mother of the four children who were taken by CPS on Friday.
