Mother Pleads Guilty to Neglecting Daughter Who Was Beaten to Death
Posted on Nov 23, 2009 2:04pm PST
A mother in Indianapolis has pleaded guilty to child neglect.
Rachel Goodman was charged with neglect of a dependant after authorities claim she stood by and watched as her boyfriend beat her 14-month-old daughter to death.
Prosecutors argued that Goodman should have come to her daughter's aid as she witnessed her boyfriend, Tayuan Chism, whip her daughter Lilliana at least 15 times with a belt. Instead, Goodman stood by and did nothing.
According to police, Goodman initially said she left the room because she couldn't stand to watch, but the prosecution said there were a number of things she could have done to save her daughter's life.
"She could have called 911. She could have gotten (other people) to intervene. She could have taken Lilliana and run from the apartment. She didn't do any of those things," said Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Denise Robinson.
Goodman's sentencing has been scheduled for February 26. If convicted, she could be sentenced to 30 years in prison, but because she has no prior felony convictions, her sentence could be suspended.
Goodman is expected to testify against Chism, who has been charged with
murder, when he goes to trail February 1.
If you or a loved one has been charged with
domestic violence or another
violent crime, click here to
find a criminal defense attorney near you!