FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The caregiver of a 12-year-old autistic girl who died in 2013 is seeking to be released from jail while she awaits trial.
Latoya Patterson is charged with felony murder in the death of Tamiyah Audain.
Patterson has been jailed since her arrest last August, but she wants Broward County Judge Michael Rothchild to grant her bond.
Those who testified in court Friday on Patterson's behalf said she was physically and financially unable to take care of her cousin's daughter when she agreed to accept responsibility for Audain after her mother died in 2012.
According to a Lauderhill police report, Audain had extensive bed sores and bone-deep wounds. She weighed only 56 pounds at the time of her death.
A nurse testified that Audain needed 24-hour care.
"Latoya was determined to keep her and try to work this out until she could be adopted," Kathleen Sobczak said.
Patterson's mother also vouched for daughter.
"She has always been a responsible mother, and she's very clingy to her kids," Marion Wring testified.
The 911 call that Patterson made in 2013 was also played in court. Patterson was visibly distraught while listening to the recording.
Rothchild said he wanted to review all the testimony and evidence before making a ruling, which will likely come early next week.
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