RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - The trial of a mother accused of starving her child to death began with jury selection Monday in Richmond.Opening statements are expected to begin Monday afternoon.
Ashley Williams, who previously plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child abuse charges, was granted a new trial last summer after Judge Richard Taylor threw out her plea. The judge's decision came after Williams’ defense team said they planned on presenting new information to prove she was not guilty.
Williams was charged with felony child neglect and murder in connection to the May 2009 death of her son De’sean. The two-year-old boy weighed 14 pounds at the time of his death.
Prosecutors will cite a Medical Examiner's report that showed the child died of dehydration and starvation. Williams' defense team will argue the child suffered from a medical condition known as failure to thrive.They claim it was that condition, not Williams' negligence that lead to the child's death.
Watch Catie Beck's coverage of this trial on CBS 6 News and WTVR.com.
