Topline: The child was almost 7 years old at the time of his death, but the severe injuries occurred when he was approximately 14-months-old.
Published: January 30, 2025 9:00 am ET
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Hilary Ulp (via Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office)
MOUNT CLEMENS, MI — A Michigan woman was sentenced for her role in the death of her ex-boyfriend’s young child.
Hilary Ulp, 46, was sentenced to life without parole on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Diane Druzinski following a conviction by a jury for the death of her ex-boyfriend’s son, according to a news release.
The case was prosecuted over a six-week trial by Macomb County Assistant Prosecutors Sian Hengeveld and Emil Semaan.
On Thursday, September 22, 2016, Ulp was found guilty of First Degree Child Abuse of her then-boyfriend’s 14-month-old son, Nicolas Kuras, after he was hospitalized on May 15, 2015.
The conviction resulted in Ulp being sentenced to 11 to 30 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. Nicolas was left with severe injuries and died due to those injuries on Thursday, January 7, 2021. He was almost 7 years old at the time of his death.
Ulp was charged with Felony Murder shortly thereafter.
On Monday, December 9, 2024, Ulp was found guilty of felony murder by a Macomb County Jury.
According to CBS affiliate WWJ, authorities believed Ulp’s motive stemmed from jealousy of the toddler, based on statements made by the child’s father during police interviews.
Macomb Daily reported the father told police that Ulp was babysitting his son while he was out playing cards. The following morning, he woke to the sound of the boy crying uncontrollably and had Ulp call 911.
Ulp told authorities that Nicolas “might have been injured” after falling off the bed the night before and hitting his head on the door frame. She also suggested that she might have “hugged him too tightly,” which could have caused injuries.
“This case is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of abuse. Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, who have endured unimaginable pain and loss over the years. We hope this sentence brings some measure of justice and healing to those who loved Nicolas,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Life Without Parole for Michigan Woman Convicted in Toddler’s Fatal Abuse
The child was almost 7 years old at the time of his death, but the severe injuries occurred when he was approximately 14-months-old.
By Jacob Charles
Published: January 30, 2025 9:00 am ET
Hilary Ulp (via Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office)
MOUNT CLEMENS, MI — A Michigan woman was sentenced for her role in the death of her ex-boyfriend’s young child.
Hilary Ulp, 46, was sentenced to life without parole on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Diane Druzinski following a conviction by a jury for the death of her ex-boyfriend’s son, according to a news release.
The case was prosecuted over a six-week trial by Macomb County Assistant Prosecutors Sian Hengeveld and Emil Semaan.
On Thursday, September 22, 2016, Ulp was found guilty of First Degree Child Abuse of her then-boyfriend’s 14-month-old son, Nicolas Kuras, after he was hospitalized on May 15, 2015.
The conviction resulted in Ulp being sentenced to 11 to 30 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. Nicolas was left with severe injuries and died due to those injuries on Thursday, January 7, 2021. He was almost 7 years old at the time of his death.
Ulp was charged with Felony Murder shortly thereafter.
On Monday, December 9, 2024, Ulp was found guilty of felony murder by a Macomb County Jury.
According to CBS affiliate WWJ, authorities believed Ulp’s motive stemmed from jealousy of the toddler, based on statements made by the child’s father during police interviews.
Macomb Daily reported the father told police that Ulp was babysitting his son while he was out playing cards. The following morning, he woke to the sound of the boy crying uncontrollably and had Ulp call 911.
Ulp told authorities that Nicolas “might have been injured” after falling off the bed the night before and hitting his head on the door frame. She also suggested that she might have “hugged him too tightly,” which could have caused injuries.
“This case is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of abuse. Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, who have endured unimaginable pain and loss over the years. We hope this sentence brings some measure of justice and healing to those who loved Nicolas,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Life Without Parole for Michigan Woman Convicted in Toddler’s Fatal Abuse
The child was almost 7 years old at the time of his death, but the severe injuries occurred when he was approximately 14-months-old.
By Jacob Charles
Published: January 30, 2025 9:00 am ET
Hilary Ulp (via Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office)
MOUNT CLEMENS, MI — A Michigan woman was sentenced for her role in the death of her ex-boyfriend’s young child.
Hilary Ulp, 46, was sentenced to life without parole on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Diane Druzinski following a conviction by a jury for the death of her ex-boyfriend’s son, according to a news release.
The case was prosecuted over a six-week trial by Macomb County Assistant Prosecutors Sian Hengeveld and Emil Semaan.
On Thursday, September 22, 2016, Ulp was found guilty of First Degree Child Abuse of her then-boyfriend’s 14-month-old son, Nicolas Kuras, after he was hospitalized on May 15, 2015.
The conviction resulted in Ulp being sentenced to 11 to 30 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. Nicolas was left with severe injuries and died due to those injuries on Thursday, January 7, 2021. He was almost 7 years old at the time of his death.
Ulp was charged with Felony Murder shortly thereafter.
On Monday, December 9, 2024, Ulp was found guilty of felony murder by a Macomb County Jury.
According to CBS affiliate WWJ, authorities believed Ulp’s motive stemmed from jealousy of the toddler, based on statements made by the child’s father during police interviews.
Macomb Daily reported the father told police that Ulp was babysitting his son while he was out playing cards. The following morning, he woke to the sound of the boy crying uncontrollably and had Ulp call 911.
Ulp told authorities that Nicolas “might have been injured” after falling off the bed the night before and hitting his head on the door frame. She also suggested that she might have “hugged him too tightly,” which could have caused injuries.
“This case is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of abuse. Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, who have endured unimaginable pain and loss over the years. We hope this sentence brings some measure of justice and healing to those who loved Nicolas,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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