A death under foster care

Kiana Barker’s boyfriend, James “Big Bird,” Julian was also charged in the death of Viola “Vicki” Vanclief. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Dec. 10, 2013 3:30 PM PT

One of the foster children placed in the care of Kiana Barker under United Care was Viola “Vicki” Vanclief, whose mother was a crack addict and prostitute living in a board and care facility for the mentally ill. In 2010, after hours of heavy drinking, Barker burst into the girl’s room and beat her, according to testimony. When Barker was pulled away, the little girl was on the floor, struggling to breathe, the witness said. She died a day later at the age of 2.

James “Big Bird” Julian is led from the courtroom after a preliminary hearing in the death of Viola “Vicki” Vanclief. His girlfriend, Kiana Barker, seated left, was convicted of second-degree murder. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Kiana Barker, with attorney Robert Haberer, was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Viola “Vicki” Vanclief. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Olivia Vanclief prays during a church service at the Faith Miracle Holiness Church. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Attorney Robert Haberer listens as a prosecution witness testifies in the case against his client, Kiana Barker, in the death of foster child Viola “Vicki” Vanclief. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Kiana Barker is led from the courtoom after being found guilty of second-degree murder. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Olivia Vanclief walks past the projected image of her daughter, Viola “Vicki” Vanclief after testifying for the prosecution against Kiana Barker. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Grass grows over the unmarked grave at Lincoln Memorial Park where 2-year-old Viola “Vicki” Vanclief was buried. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)