Mother claims toddler killed herself weeks after social services returned her
Shaniqua Leonard claimed two year-old Lyric Farrell fatally self-harmed, but investigators say the wound that killed the toddler was not-self inflicted or accidental
A mother claims her two year-old daughter fatally self-harmed weeks after social services returned her to her custody.
Shaniqua Leonard, 29, has tried to claim the injuries which killed her daughter Lyric at her home in Boston on January 9 were self-inflicted.
But investigators insist Lyric died of a non-accidental head wound, with a court told Monday how Lyric had been removed from her mother’s care when she was between two and four months-old.
Lyric was given back to Leonard in November 2019, just weeks before she ended up suffering a fatal brain hemorrhage.
Leonard has so far been charged with child endangerment, but could face far more serious charges when autopsy results confirming how Lyric died come back.
She bawled during Monday’s hearing when her late daughter’s funeral announcements were discussed.
Boston25 reporter Julianne Lima live-tweeted the hearing, and said: ‘Leonard breaks down in tears as her attorney mentions Lyric’s upcoming funeral.
‘Judge calls a recess to review evidence exhibits.
‘Leonard is wailing as she’s lead out of the courtroom in handcuffs.’
On the day of Lyric’s death, Leonard called 911.
HAPPENING TODAY: Whitman mother charged with reckless endangerment of a child in the death of her 2-year-old daughter will be back in court for a dangerousness hearing. Catch up on the story here ⬇️https://t.co/LL0alSxvcx @boston25 pic.twitter.com/2GJGHjQcRl
— Julianne Lima (@JulianneLimaTV) January 13, 2020
Investigators found the little girl with fresh scratches on her neck, face, torso and back.
Lyric was also missing clumps of her hair, with patches spotted on the floor by one investigator.
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The toddler was taken to a local ER, then airlifted to Boston Children’s Hospital, where she was found to be brain dead and taken off life support.
Leonard told police that her daughter had not been eating, and that she had been scratching herself, as well as banging her head, Boston25 reported.
Horrific videos found on Leonard’s phone showed Lyric in the days before her death, with the youngster unable to hold her head up, move her legs or keep her eyes open and focused.
Those videos were played in court, with Leonard heard screaming: ‘You need to get up right now! Sit up! Sit up! Let’s go! Hello! Get up! And get your clothes on!’
Leonard was charged over her alleged failure to seek timely medical assistance for Lyric.
She could face allegations of child abuse, manslaughter or murder when a cause of death is officially confirmed.
The alleged abusive mom’s application for bail was denied, and she was ordered held in jail until her next court appearance.