3 more to face on trial in Danieal Kelly neglect death
(CBS/KYW/AP) PHILADELPHIA - Jury selection began Thursday in the trial of the final three defendants charged in connection with the neglect and starvation death of disabled 14-year-old Danieal Kelly in 2006.
The trial marks what may be the final chapter in the prosecution of more than a dozen people following the death of 14-year-old Danieal Kelly, a handicapped at-risk child who died a gruesome death under the supervision of social service agencies.
When Kelly died, the 14-year-old was spending most of her time in bed, without much schooling, medical care or even sufficient food and water. She weighed just 42 pounds, and had severe, maggot-infested bedsores.
Daniel Kelly, the girl's father, is charged with child endangerment for allegedly abandoning the girl to a mother he knew was neglecting her. Former city social worker Dana Poindexter and contractor Mickal Kamuvaka are also on trial on child endangerment, perjury and other charges, reports CBS station KYW.
Several social workers at the now-defunct MultiEthnic Behavioral Services, a private social services company, were previously convicted for fraud after their failure to ascertain the 14-year-old's dire living situation. The company reportedly billed the city for services it never performed, then tried to cover up the fraud by forging documents.
Company co-founders Mickal Kamuvaka, 60, and Solomon Manamela, 52, and former caseworkers Julius Juma Murray, 52, and Miriam Coulebaly, 41, were already convicted of conspiracy, lying to federal agents and multiple counts of health care fraud and wire fraud.
Andrea Kelly, the girl's mother, is serving already serving a 20- to 40-year term for third-degree murder.
Opening statements and testements are expected next week, reports KYW.
More on Crimesider
February 3, 2010 - Danieal Kelly, 14, Starved to Death with Maggot-Infested Wounds; Pa. Social Workers on Trial
March 5, 2010 - Danieal Kelly Starved to Death with Maggot-Infested Wounds; Social Workers Convicted in Fraud Case