4-year-old looked for crumbs during weeks-long starvation before death, detective testifies

A mother accused of severely torturing and abusing her 4-year-old son, ending in his death, briefly appeared in a Franklin County courtroom on May 8, where a judge denied her the option of bond as she awaits trial.

Kailee Smith-Parks, 19, is charged with aggravated murder, murder, and 22 counts of endangering children in the April 10 death of her son, Ja’Kai Smith.

Smith-Parks’ attorney, Jeremy Dodgion, waived her appearance for most of the hearing before Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Holbrook. Smith-Parks did have to appear briefly after Holbrook determined she would be held without bond so she could be informed of her right to appeal his decision…

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