Edmond Woman Convicted Of Child Abuse In Death Of Foster Child

Adrianna Iwasinski, News 9

UPDATE: A Logan County jury has convicted an Edmond woman of child abuse in the death of her foster child and recommended she be fined $5,000. The jury deliberated for about 10 hours Monday before finding 40-year-old Amy Holder guilty of child abuse in verdict returned just before midnight. The jury rejected prosecutor's request of a 25-year prison sentence and instead recommended the fine.

GUTHRIE, Oklahoma -- The fate of an Edmond mother now lies in the hands of a jury. Amy Holder is accused of child abuse in the death of her 2-year-old foster daughter, Naomi Whitecrow.

The jury has been deliberating for several hours. Several of Holder's friends, family members and supporters are outside the courthouse, waiting for the jury's verdict.

Holder appeared in court on Monday, while both the prosecution and her defense attorneys lobby the jury to consider all the evidence presented.

It was a packed courtroom as friends and family, and even Naomi Whitecrow's own birth mother were inside to see the prosecution defense make their final plea to the jury.

Prosecutors showed the Jury photos of the 2-year-old before and after she came into the care of Holder, the second of two foster moms she had. Prosecutors said Naomi was a normal healthy toddler before coming into the Holder home.

Several people, including Naomi's birth mother, had to step out of the courtroom after becoming overcome with grief, after hearing and seeing some of today's testimonies. 

Scott Adams, Holder's attorney told News 9 that Holder was a woman who was devoted to her children, her family and to being a foster parent. He has asked the jury to come forward with a swift verdict of not guilty.

However, prosecutors have asked the jury to take their time with the verdict, saying they want them to look over every piece of evidence before coming to a conclusion.

If Holder is found guilty, she could spend anywhere from a year to life in prison. The prosecution has asked for 25 years.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.