Sitter Enters Plea in Baby’s Fatal Beating
A Van Nuys baby-sitter pleaded not guilty Monday to the fatal beating of an 18-month-old girl who had been left in her care.
Nova Marcia Thompson, 34, entered the plea during her arraignment on a charge of murder and two counts of child abuse in Van Nuys Municipal Court.
Thompson is accused of fatally beating Jasmine Lynn Sanders of Van Nuys, who was found bruised and unconscious Thursday in Thompson’s home in the 14300 block of Vanowen Street. The toddler was taken to Valley Presbyterian Hospital, where she died late Friday.
Police said it appeared that a blow to the head had killed the girl. Thompson remained in custody in lieu of $400,000 bail.
Jasmine’s father, William Manciano, had left her with Thompson on Wednesday and planned to pick her up Thursday after he finished work, police said.
However, Thompson called the father Thursday morning and said Jasmine was no longer breathing, police said.
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