Monday, September 21, 2009

Father of Philadelphia girl with CP who starved to death to stand trial in 2010

From The AP:

The father of a disabled West Philadelphia girl who starved to death in 2006 is set to stand trial along with three other people late next year.

Common Pleas Court Judge Jeffrey P. Minehart said Sept. 18 that Daniel Kelly would stand trial in November 2010 on charges of endangering the welfare of a child in the death of 14-year-old Danieal Kelly (pictured).

Authorities say Kelly abandoned his daughter, who had cerebral palsy, used a wheelchair, and was completely dependent on her family. The girl was found dead in her bed inside a filthy and sweltering apartment on Memorial Avenue near Viola Street on Aug. 4, 2006. She weighed just 42 pounds and her body was infested with maggots.

Three social-service workers also face charges. Two are charged with involuntary manslaughter and tampering with records to cover up failures to check on the girl. The third is charged with endangerment and perjury.

Danieal Kelly's mother, Andrea, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and was sentenced on April 29 to 20 to 40 years in prison. Four others have also pleaded guilty.