LOS ANGELES : Sentencing Postponed in Death of Foster Child
Sentencing for a Los Angeles woman who was convicted in the beating death of her foster son was postponed Friday amid an allegation of juror misconduct during her trial this summer.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael A. Tynan agreed with a request from Valerie Lacy-Walker’s attorney to postpone sentencing. Tynan said Lacy-Walker is entitled to a hearing Sept. 21 on an allegation that a juror was overheard talking on the phone about the case during a break in deliberations. Jurors are prohibited by law from discussing a case outside of court until after it is resolved.
Lacy-Walker was convicted July 9 of second-degree murder and child beating in the November, 1991, death of 23-month-old Robert Brown, for whom she had cared for five months.
Her attorney, Deputy Public Defender Jeffrey Kelley, said he learned only recently of the allegation of juror misconduct from a member of Lacy-Walker’s family. Lacy-Walker, 29, faces 15 years to life in prison. She could receive a new trial if the allegation is true.
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