LISBON - Nearly two years after the death of 7-month-old Derek Dennison, his mother will face a jury in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court beginning this morning.
Miranda Todd refused a last offer Monday by the prosecution, telling Judge Scott Washam Monday afternoon she could not accept the offer. Both the prosecutors and Todd's attorneys indicated they are prepared to proceed with a jury trial this morning.
A pool of 65 potential jurors have been summoned to appear. Jury selection is scheduled to begin first thing and is expected to take much of the day.
Todd, 24, faces up to life in prison if convicted of all three charges. The murder charge carries a 15 years to life sentence. Additionally, she is charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering children, charges with maximum sentences of 10 years and five years, respectively.
The indictment for endangering children alleges Todd created "a substantial risk to the health or safety of Derek Dennison, by violating a duty of care, protection, or support, when such violation resulted in Derek Dennison suffering serious physical harm."
Dennison was taken by Todd to Salem Community Hospital, unresponsive on July 23, 2010. An autopsy by the Cuyahoga County Coroner's office revealed the baby had both rib and skull fractures.
Todd, who has lived both on Ellsworth Avenue in Salem and on McCracken Road between Salem and Lisbon, was arrested on Dec. 14, 2010, reportedly after police heard she was considering leaving town.
She has remained in custody at the county jail for nearly 18 months. There have been several delays in the case. It was scheduled for a jury trial in August 2011, November 2011 and March 2012, but all indications are the trial will go forward this morning.
