Judge Allows Police Interview of Infanticide Defendant

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DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park ruled that evidence and testimony from the authorities questioning a homicide defendant would be allowed during trial on April 11. 

Faneshia Scott, 33, is charged with seven counts of first-degree cruelty to children and two counts of first-degree murder while the victim was especially vulnerable due to age, for her alleged involvement in the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Rhythm Fields, on the 5400 block of C Street, SE. Fields’s lifeless body was found inside Scott’s apartment on March 21, 2017. 

The exact circumstances surrounding Rhythm’s death are unknown. However, according to court documents, authorities were called to the scene after concerns were raised about the baby’s well-being. Scott has been on release since Oct. 26, 2018. 

At the hearing, Scott’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, argued that any evidence from the police interrogation in April of 2017 should not be included as she had been subjected to lengthy questioning and was not in the right state of mind. 

The prosecution opposed this, asserting that Scott had gone to the police station herself, agreeing to questioning and a polygraph test. The police also stated her rights and told her specifically that she was not under arrest. 

Judge Park agreed, ruling that the interrogation was non-threatening and that evidence from the questioning could be included. However, he stated that no evidence from the polygraph test is to be admitted. Both parties agreed. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 27.