VAN NUYS : Retrial Delayed in Case of Boy’s Death

A trial scheduled to begin Wednesday for Debra Suzanne Cummings, a former PTA president accused of murdering a 9-month-old boy under her care, was delayed until June 13.

Cummings, 36, faces a retrial in the June 15, 1990, death of Kevin Young, who died after suffering severe head injuries.

Prosecutors believe Cummings attacked the child, but Cummings says the child had an accident in her Reseda home that exacerbated an earlier injury.

A mistrial was declared in Cummings’ first trial. In July, 1992, a Superior Court jury deadlocked 7 to 5 in favor of acquittal.

Kevin died three months after a 14-month-old boy died while in Cummings’ care. Prosecutors also charged her in the death of Matthew Cooley, but a judge dismissed charges, largely because there was no evidence of foul play. An autopsy determined that Matthew died from some type of seizure.

Attorneys said Wednesday’s trial date was delayed because the courtroom where the case is assigned is now busy with a lengthy drunk driving murder trial.