Arizona woman convicted in 2011 death of young cousin

Jurors in Maricopa County Superior Court began deliberating Monday morning in the trial that began two weeks ago.

They also found Allen guilty of three counts of child abuse and conspiracy to commit child abuse.

Allen’s attorney argued the form of punishment was commonplace in the household and was done at the request of Deal’s aunt, Cynthia Stoltzmann, who was the girl’s legal guardian.

Defence lawyers said Allen was almost certainly guilty of child abuse but not murder.

Authorities allege Deal’s death came after a long history of abuse at the hands of multiple relatives. Deal lived with at least 10 adults and children in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in south Phoenix.

In opening statements, both sides referred to a question about whether Allen told her husband to let Deal out of the bin before she fell asleep.

John Allen’s trial is expected to start on Aug. 7. He’s also charged with first-degree murder and child abuse.

Three other relatives were convicted of abusing Deal and currently are in prison.

David Deal, the girl’s father, previously pleaded guilty to attempted child abuse and was sentenced to jail. Stoltzmann was sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempted child abuse.

The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Arizona woman convicted in 2011 death of young cousin

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