Mother on trial for death of Emma Thompson -her 4-year-old daughter
HOUSTON (KTRK) — At the trial Tuesday of a mother charged in the death of her 4-year-old daughter, prosecutors say the woman did nothing to prevent the abuse that led to the child’s death.
Prosecutors say Abigail Young, 34, is a registered nurse and that’s partly why they say she knew her child was being abused and did nothing to stop it.
Young failed to protect her daughter, Emma Thompson, 4, from repeated sexual and physical abuse by Young’s boyfriend, Lucas Coe, prosecutors say. They allege Young lied to doctors and Child Protective Services investigators about Coe’s access to the little girl and ignored warning signs the child was being abused.
The day of her death, prosecutors say little Emma was battered and unresponsive. While good Samaritans and paramedics tried to save the child’s life, they say Young did nothing.
However, Young’s lawyers say she took her child to doctors and to the hospital and never lied or tried to hide signs of abuse.
“Once the lights were shone on Emma, there was bruising all over her body — on her stomach, she had a busted lip, bruising all over her face, on her chin area, on her legs. This child was beaten and bruised so badly,” said prosecutor Tina Ansari in court on Tuesday. “Meanwhile, the defendant is in the ambulance talking on the cell phone.”
“She doesn’t delay. She doesn’t stall. She takes her to Texas Children’s Hospital and she tells them everything,” said defense attorney Julie Ketterman.
This afternoon, prosecutors showed the jury graphic autopsy photos of Emma’s injuries, which caused Young to become emotional.
Young is charged with injury to a child by omission. If she is convicted, she could receive up to life in prison. Coe is charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child and will go to trial separately in September.
Stay with Eyewitness News and abc13.com for the latest on this trial. SOURCE: KTRK-TV/DT JUNE 29, 2010 (ABC NEWS AFFILIATE)
Hey Joni,
How do we know that Abigail didn’t give Lucas Herpes? Then he could have passed them to Emma….obviously she is a skank…she has written that on the wall by her actions…Justice for Emma…Abigail & Lucas will get theirs in prison! BTW Abigail has aged tremendously in one year!
Report this comment
It makes me so angry that the coverage of the trial was been dropped by the media. Emma deserved so much more. The only reason that could be understandable for no news on the trial would be if it is to protect Emma’s two older sisters.
Report this comment
Cara ;-(
Report this comment
There has not been a word from the Chronicle since last week. No news at all.
Let me check the Brenham online newspaper, there’s a good reporter there that maybe has written something.
Report this comment
The most recent news article I could fine was June 30 in the Brenham Banner. Worth reading just for the comments from the community at the end of the article.
http://www.brenhambanner.com/articles/2010/06/30/news/news02.txt
Report this comment
I Love U Emma! Aunt Am is still here my sweet angel waiting for your justice! A day does not go by that I don’t miss you ! Rest peacefully my sweet baby. You may be gone but never forgotten!
Aunt Am
Report this comment
Amanda, it is nice to see you here again. We know you were and are here for Emma. For the defense to claim anyone else knew what went on in Emma’s house, except the adultSSSS occupying the house is outrageous. Hugs, Cara
Report this comment
Jury is deliberating…..
Report this comment
ABIGAIL IS GUILTY
Report this comment
This
Report this comment
This lady should have the same treatment the child did in life! I believe we should have a torture camp for people that harmed little kids before they go to serve their time….if they are alive.
Report this comment