A Vermont mother has pleaded not guilty to killing her 14-month-old son.
Twenty-eight-year-old Nytosha Laforce of Winooski is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Peighton Geraw. She was held without bail Wednesday.
Vermont Chief Medical Examiner said the child died from trauma to the head and neck.
Staff at the Fletcher Allen Health Care reported signs of child abuse to the state Department for Children and Families after examining Peighton on April 2, when he was brought to the emergency room for an illness. Police say a DCF worker had visited the apartment less than an hour before the baby was found dead.
The worker later told police that he didn't know if the child, who appeared to be sleeping, was alive or dead when he visited.
Governor Shumlin has ordered a review of the Department of Children and Families.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
