(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman has pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with the March beating death of a 4-year-old boy.
28-year-old Janice Summerford entered the plea Monday in Brown County District Court to charges of first-degree murder, abuse of a child, obstructing apprehension or prosecution and three counts of interference with law enforcement.
A jury trial was set to start January 21st.
Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill filed an amended complaint against Summerford last month prior to her preliminary hearing charging her with the six felony counts. She had originally been charged with three felony counts—including aiding and abetting murder in the 2nd degree.
The child’s father, Lee Davis IV, of Hiawatha, is currently behind bars serving a nearly 20-year prison sentence after being convicted on an amended charge of second-degree murder and felony child abuse.
Authorities say Summerford was Davis’ live-in girlfriend and was the child’s primary caregiver.
During her preliminary hearing, Davis testified Summerford was responsible for his son’s death.
She was arrested in late April following an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.
Summerford remains in the Brown County Jail on one million dollars bond.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Two arrested following Friday Jackson Co traffic stop
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
Commission approves agreement for budget help
LATEST STORIES
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
NPPD urges farmers to be safe around power lines
Arbor Day proclaimed in Atchison
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Doniphan Co Commission approves overlay projects
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Holton property search concludes with arrest