LA foster mother, boyfriend charged in hammer death of 2-year-old girl
By APMonday, July 19, 2010
LA couple charged in toddler’s hammer death
LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles foster mother has been charged with murder and her boyfriend with being as an accessory in the killing of a 2-year-old girl who was struck with a hammer.
Police said Monday that 30-year-old Kiana Barker was arrested last week on murder and child abuse charges.
Barker initially told investigators that she accidentally struck Viola Vanclief with a hammer while trying to free her after the girl became trapped in a bed frame. But authorities say records show the child had several bruises. The girl died March 4.
Barker is being held on $1.1 million bail.
Her boyfriend — 38-year-old James Julian — surrendered Saturday after a warrant was issued on charges of dissuading a witness and accessory to murder. He is being held on $1.6 million bail.
It was unknown if either had an attorney.
