GLOUCESTER COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - The trial of the couple accused starving their daughter and keeping her in a cage, naked, got underway in Gloucester County.
Brian Gore and Shannon Gorewere arrested two years ago. They are charged with felony child neglect and aggravated malicious wounding.
In the eleventh hour Tuesday, the couple entered a guilty plea for the felony child neglect charges. An "Alford" plea was entered for the aggravated malicious wounding charges, which means they've acknowledged substantial evidence exists against them to find them guilty.
Their daughter, now eight years old, was expected to testify against her biological parents. Her expected testimony is what prompted the mother to enter the plea.
Jury selection was another factor in the plea. Seating a juror proved to be a very complicated process. Most potential jurors said they had a strong opinion of the case and were disgusted by the parents actions.
Defense attorneys said the child, who has since been adopted by another family, is happy, healthy and well adjusted. The judge argued it was necessary that the child testify to prove she suffered permanent physical injury.
The Gores will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. on June 10. They face one to ten years for the child abuse charges and up to life in prison for the aggravated malicious wounding charges.
