Renee King faces charges of felony murder, child abuse and first degree criminal sexual conduct in the death of her 2-year old stepdaughter, Lily Furneaux-Wolfenbarger.
While under King’s care in November 2010, Lily suffered three blows to her head and was sexually assaulted. The investigation showed that Lily was raped with an object and suffered injuries to her vaginal area, prosecutors say.
The case is being held in Macomb County Circuit Court in front of Judge Diane Druzinski.
On Monday prosecutors asked Druzinski to let them introduce an incident that happened in 2009, at trial. They say King slapped Lily when driving in a car, causing her nose to bleed. A 19 year old family member witnessed the act. Assistant Macomb County prosecutor Theresa Tobin said this shows a "pattern of behavior.“
Jason Malkiewicz, Kings attorney, said the prosecution wants to unfairly portray his client and is exaggerating the incident.
“It was an accident. She didn’t commit the crime.”
Tobin also wants to allow Lily’s biological mother to testify about other injuries she received in the weeks prior to her death, including bruises to her back and legs. Lily also suffered a black eye, according to her mother, Tobin said.
King has attributed all the injuries to accidents. She told investigators that Lily fell playing with other children, walking in a store and slipping on a freshly mopped floor at home.
Judge Druzinski said she will rule on the issues before the trial starts. It is expected to last at least a week, featuring 13 prosecution witnesses and a handful of defense witnesses, including King.
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