In the Matter of Mudge

Respondent appeals by leave of this Court the decision of the Wayne County Circuit Court affirming an order by the Wayne County Probate Court terminating his parental rights and placing his children in the permanent custody of the court.

On October 10, 1975, the Department of Social Services (DSS) filed an abuse-neglect petition against respondent and his wife, Colleen. As a result, his two children — Shawn and Thomas, Jr., —were made temporary wards of the court. Several months later, the couple separated. Shortly after the separation, on May 8, 1976, respondent stormed into the house where…