ERICA L. LAWSON | Charged With The Murder Of Her 17-Month-Old Daughter Elena Roseleigh Hembree (She Allegedly Allowed 7 Men To Do This To Her); State Seeking The Death Penalty | Autographed Letter, Signed

Erica Lawson. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Post Card (3.5 × 5.5). Louisville, KY, June 10, 2024. Content unknown. SEALED.

Erica Lawson, a 21-year-old resident of Bell County, Kentucky, has been indicted for the murder of her 17-month-old daughter, Elena Hembree. The case has garnered significant attention due to the tragic nature of the events and the decision by Kentucky prosecutors to seek the death penalty against Lawson. The indictment includes charges of murder, failure to report child abuse, first-degree criminal abuse, and first-degree wanton endangerment.

The indictment alleges that Lawson failed to assist Elena when she was unable to breathe and accuses her of abusing the child, leaving bruises, and using drugs while supposed to be caring for her. The toddler, Elena, suffered severe injuries and was taken to Middlesboro ARH Hospital; due to the extent of her injuries, she was flown to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, where she died on July 30.

This case is one of the most severe cases of abuse, particularly because of the victim’s young age, and has led to a significant investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding Elena’s death. DNA tests are ongoing to identify other potential suspects involved in the case.

The evidence presented in the case against Erica Lawson includes the following key points:

Charges: Erica Lawson has been charged with second-degree murder, failure to report child dependency neglect or abuse, first-degree criminal abuse, and first-degree wanton endangerment.

Medical Findings: The medical examiner found no evidence of sexual abuse on the child, Elena.

DNA Evidence: There was no male DNA found after a sexual assault collection kit was used on Elena.

Social Media Influence: The defense claims that social media rumors have tainted the case, with many false assertions circulating online.

Defense’s Motion: The defense has filed a motion to dismiss the death penalty, arguing that there is zero evidence that any person sexually abused the child. They also claim that the case against Lawson was rushed without proper investigation.

Currently, in Erica Lawson’s trial, her defense attorneys have filed a motion to remove the death penalty as an option, highlighting a crucial development in the case. The motion was filed on January 24, 2024, and is expected to be heard in court. The defense argues that the accusation of intentional killing is inconsistent with Kentucky law and that there is no male DNA found after a sexual assault collection kit was used on the child.

Additionally, the defense is requesting a change of venue for the trial due to threats and the public’s interest in the case. They are also challenging the influence of social media on the case, claiming that there are many false assertions circulating online. The next court date for Erica Lawson is scheduled for June 5, 2024, where she will plead not guilty, and the defense plans to defend her vigorously.

The prosecution’s main argument in the trial against Erica Lawson is centered on the severity of the crime and the deliberate nature of the killing, emphasizing that Lawson intentionally caused her child’s death by withholding medical aid. They argue that because the victim, 17-month-old Elena Hembree, was so young and the killing was deliberate, the case merits consideration of the death penalty. The indictment charges that Erica Lawson intentionally caused the death of her child by failing to render medical aid, which the prosecution believes justifies the pursuit of the death penalty.

This stance is based on the initial charges and the evidence presented by the prosecution, which includes the severe injuries suffered by Elena, the lack of medical assistance provided by Lawson, and the timeline leading to the child’s death. The prosecution is likely to continue building their case around these points as the trial progresses.

During the court proceedings, Erica Lawson has appeared visibly distressed and emotional. On January 29, 2024, she attended a pretrial conference via teleconference from where she was being held in Bourbon County. The motions that her attorneys have filed show that she has actively participated in her defense and that her actions are consistent with those of someone who is facing serious charges.

The case has been highly publicized, and the defense has cited heavy publicity and threats against Lawson, arguing that these factors have created a biased environment that could influence jury perceptions and compromise the fairness of the trial.

VIDEO: State to seek death penalty for KY mother | https://youtu.be/AN2hAyQeD54

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