July 5, 2009
Teen pleads not guilty to murder
By Carol Ferguson
The 19-year-old Bakersfield woman accused in the death of her boyfriend's child pleaded not guilty in Superior Court Friday afternoon. Melissa Blanchard faces murder charges in connection with the death of two-year-old Kayli Beardon.
Blanchard entered the not guilty plea and was ordered held on no bail. Bakersfield police report that Blanchard has admitted to causing injuries to the toddler on August 24th. Blanchard was taking care of Kayli for about 15 minutes while the child's father was away from their apartment in the 5900 block of Ming Avenue. The family says when the father got back, he found Kayli blue and unresponsive. The child was rushed to Mercy Hospital and later to Children's Hospital near Fresno. Kayli died there a couple days later. The Kern County Coroner later ruled Kayli died of "..abusive head injuries and the manner of death was homicide." After Friday's hearing, the victim's family said the two parents were too emotional to speak -- but they had a message for the community. "On behalf of the kids, we'd like to thank all of Kern County and beyond for their out-pouring of their prayers and contributions," says Kayli's great-grandmother Dianna Gillem. "We want the county and everybody to know that everything was so appreciated." The two parents are Nacole Sullivan and Matt Beardon. His mother struggled to describe how the couple is coping, but she beamed as she described Kayli. "She was just the most lovable thing of the face of the earth," says Tasha Johnston. "Just always happy." That family had filled the court-room, and there was also a large group of Blanchard's friends and family. During the court hearing, Blanchard was represented by a public defender -- who talked her through the process. Blanchard later appeared to break down and cry. Blanchard is set to be back in court on these charges in mid-November. |
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