RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) - A judge has just decided to grant a trial for a mother who pleaded guilty to starving her toddler to death after striking a deal with prosecutors earlier this year.
Even though she pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child abuse charges, Judge Richard Taylor decided to allow throw out Ashley Williams' plea because she has a shot at a reasonable defense. Williams' defense plans on presenting new information they say can prove her innocence.
Williams' two-year old son De'sean weighed just 14 pounds when he died in May of 2009. She was arrested in 2010.
Family members say evidence of an inherited medical condition could have been a factor in De'sean's death. Adding the information didn't come out during initial negotiations.
The prosecution opposed to the motion. Prosecutors said they felt it would prejudice the Commonwealth's case given that they negotiated with Williams in good faith to reduce one of the charges against her.
