Defense Plans to Call Psychologist in Child Murder Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 24, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Juveniles | Suspects | Victims |

The defense attorney for a mother accused of murdering her 16-month-old daughter said he planned to call a forensic psychologist to testify during trial. 

Faneshia Scott is charged with first-degree murder and child cruelty for her alleged role in the death of her daughter, Rhythm Fields, on the 5400 block of C Street, SE in 2017. Scott, 32, is currently confined to her home under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). She is also required to wear a GSP monitor.

Defense attorney Steven Kiersh and the prosecution said Oct. 24 that they plan to call a number of expert witnesses. Counsel did not specify exactly how many witnesses would be called during the trial.  

The prosecutor also said she would call a child psychologist and a Drug Enforcement Administration Agent. 

The D.E.A. agent would testify about a bottle found at the crime scene which contained cough syrup. 

According to Scott’s indictment, she “intentionally, knowingly and recklessly” tortured and beat her daughter.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Milton Lee noted that given the number of expert witnesses and documents involved in this case, the attorneys need to be conscious of disclosure deadlines. 

“This can’t be an unending process,” said Judge Lee. “There has to be a fixed date somewhere.”

He also warned that he may not allow testimony from any witnesses announced too close to the trial date, which is set in May of 2020. 

Judge Lee said he plans to set a deadline for expert witness notice at Scott’s next status hearing, which is scheduled on Dec. 17.