In July 2005, the Fourth District Appellate Court in Illinois stated that it found no pattern of misconduct or prejudice that prevented the three defendants from receiving a fair trial. Instead, said Justice Robert W. Cook, the trial court had done everything in its power to ensure that a fair trial was conducted.

The appeals court did find separately that there was no evidence to consider Mary Slover to be unfit to be a parent to Kolten. Nevertheless, he remained in the guardianship of Karyn's parents, the Hearns.



