« Accused tells of decades of abuse | Main | Miami Filmmakers Announce Completion of “The ABC’s of Eating Disorders”, a Documentary Film About Eating Disorders »
January 18, 2005
Jury selection begins in abuse trial
January 18, 2005 [Lincoln Star Journal]
By Margaret Reist
Jury selection began Tuesday in the child abuse trial of Brandy Blair, who is accused of leaving her 22-month-old child locked in an unairconditioned room for two days, where he died.
Christian Reifler was electrocuted in June, apparently by a stapler stuck into an electrical outlet. Other residents living in the house at 1907 L St. found him and called authorities.
Blair, 23, is charged with child abuse resulting in death, a crime that carries a penalty of 10 years to life in prison.
Prosecutors have said the trial is expected to last about a week.
A second felony child abuse charge, which was punishable by up to 20 years in prison, was dismissed by prosecutors at the end of last month.
Court documents have alleged that Blair put her son in an upstairs bedroom on the evening of June 7, wedging a towel in the door so he couldn't open it and wander around the house, and didn't return until June 9.
During those two days, according to the documents, she went out with friends, smoked meth and watched movies.
Four other adults were living in the house at the time.
According to the court documents, one of the residents gave Christian a glass of water on June 8, and Blair checked on him the morning of June 9, several hours before she left and the other residents found him.
The autopsy showed Christian died of electrocution and was also dehydrated and emaciated, according to the documents.
Three of the four people living in the house, including Blair's brother, have been charged with misdemeanor charges of either child abuse or failing to report child abuse.
Posted by Nancy at January 18, 2005 04:55 PM