Kentucky prosecutors notified the court on Tuesday that they intend to seek the death penalty against the mother of a 17-month-old girl who was reportedly sexually abused and murdered.
Erica Lawson, 21, was arraigned on Tuesday — the same day Bell County prosecutors filed a notice of aggravating circumstance that warns Lawson that they intend to pursue the death penalty. Bell County Commonwealth Attorney Lisa Fugate said Lawson’s daughter, Elena, had signs of physical and sexual abuse when she died on July 30, according to WATE.
The slain toddler’s uncle went to police about burns on her weeks before her death. However, the uncle and police did not know her whereabouts at the time.
Elena was hospitalized and placed on life support and a respirator. She succumbed to her injuries after doctors determined she was brain dead. Lawson was arrested following her death.
According to WBIR, prosecutors accused Lawson of using drugs while caring for Elena and failing to help her when she could not breathe. They also claimed Lawson abused her daughter and left bruises.
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Lawson was charged with murder, failure to report child abuse or neglect, criminal abuse, and wanton endangerment. Middlesboro police said they were using DNA to identify additional suspects in this case.
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[Featured image: Erica Lawson/Bell County Sheriff’s Office; WBIR]
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