Child abuse charges filed against Tulare mother linked to toddler's death
A Tulare mother accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter remains behind bars. A man, who police identified as the mother's friend, is also being held responsible for the girl's death.
On Monday, charges were filed against Michael Francis, 46, and Priscilla Roshell, 27. The defendants are charged with two counts of torture and child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death.
The crimes carry a maximum of life in prison, according to prosecutors.
During their arraignment, Roshell and Francis pleaded not guilty. They were also denied bail.
The cause of death is still under investigation. Once the medical investigation into the child's death is finished, prosecutors could file additional charges against the defendants.
Two children are listed in the complaint as victims. Investigators believe the abuse lasted from Oct. 1 until the toddler's death.
Roshell's daughter died Thursday afternoon. Tulare 911 dispatchers got a call about an unconscious toddler being rushed to the hospital. Doctors tried to save the baby, but she died shortly after arriving.
Detectives were told that the child suffered "severe injuries."
Police learned that Roshell has two more children — 5 and 8 years old — who weren't with their mother at the hospital. Patrol officers searched for the children and eventually found them with Francis.
The pair was interviewed by police and later arrested. They are expected back in court next week.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Child abuse charges filed against Tulare mother linked to toddler's death
