L.A. mom charged with murder in death of her 3-month-old baby
A mother from Porter Ranch has been charged with murder in the death of her 3-month-old baby, authorities said Friday.
The woman, identified by the L.A. County district attorney’s office as Jalyn Simone SmithJermott, 21, faces one count of murder and one felony count of assault on a child causing death, according to a release from the D.A.’s office. She is scheduled to be arraigned Monday and faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life if convicted, prosecutors said.
Authorities said the baby was found not breathing in his bassinet on Sept. 10 and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Chance Crawford, 6, died Tuesday after prosecutors allege he was brutally beaten with a piece of lumber and tortured by a man who was babysitting him.
Eric Shannon Johnson, 35, who authorities said is the baby’s father, has also been charged with one felony count of child abuse. He pleaded not guilty Monday and his next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday. If convicted as charged, he faces up to six years in prison.
“Children, especially babies, depend on their parents and loved ones for care and nurturing. It is a profound betrayal when that trust is shattered,” Dist. Atty. George Gascón said in a statement.
During Johnson’s arraignment Monday, prosecutors said the baby suffered third-degree burns and a 4-inch head fracture in August — causing blood to collect between the skull and the surface of the brain, KABC-TV reported. Prosecutors alleged that Johnson failed to seek medical help for the baby due to fear of repercussions from the Department of Children and Family Services, according to the station.
Jose Cuatro pleaded no contest to first degree murder and torture and faces 32 years to life in prison. Ursual Juarez pleaded no context to second-degree murder and torture and faces 22 years to life in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by the district attorney’s Family Violence Division’s Complex Child Abuse Section and investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.
“I want to assure the community that we will prosecute these offenders to the fullest extent of the law,” Gascón said. “We owe it to the victim and to all children who deserve a safe and loving environment.”
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