Toddler died after repeated abuse
PHOENIX (AP) – A Phoenix couple who ran a childcare business out of their home pleaded not guilty at their arraignment on Friday to felony child abuse charges in the death of a young girl.
Maricopa County prosecutors say 27-year-old Ryan Reed and 28-year-old Allison Clements' next scheduled court appearance is on Feb. 12.
The couple was arrested in the Dec. 11 death of 3-year-old Savannah Cross.
Phoenix police say the girl had numerous injuries and Reed allegedly admitted to striking, kicking and roughly grabbing the child numerous times.
Investigators believe her bruises came from different occasions because they were in various stages of healing.
Clements reportedly told detectives she witnessed the abuse but did nothing to stop it.
Police say the child had been staying with the couple full-time since July, and her mother had last come to visit her at Thanksgiving.
