Philadelphia, PA - The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the preliminary hearing for Danieal Kelly's mother, Andrea Kelly, and Julius Murray, a child welfare worker, both of whom who have been charged with homicide in connection with Danieal's death, resumed yesterday before a Philadelphia judge.
Prosecutors are expected to take today and tomorrow to present evidence to convince Municipal Court Judge Patrick F. Dugan that Kelly, 39, and Julius Juma Murray, 51, a private child welfare caseworker assigned to ensure that the Kelly family received needed services, should be tried on homicide charges in the death of 14-year-old Danieal Kelly.
As reported in an earlier post by FRIDA, Andrea Kelly is charged with murder in connection with the death by thirst, starvation and neglect of Danieal, aged 14, who had cerebral palsy. Murray, who is charged with involuntary manslaughter, worked for a private social services company under contract with the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. He was assigned to visit the Kelly house and ensure Danieal was safe but prosecutors allege that his visits were so rare Danieal's siblings did not know who he was.
Although nine people were charged in connection with Danieal Kelly's death, only Andrea Kelly and Murray are having preliminary hearings. Lawyers for Andrea Kelly and Murray argued that they deserved the right to a preliminary hearing because they, unlike other defendants, were charged with homicide.
For earlier reports, see:
Parents charged in starvation death sue PhillyA Timeline of Neglect
9 charged in starvation death of teen
