While this case has been newsworthy for quite some time, it was only recently that I became aware of it. I will offer a very brief gist of the case.
In 2009, Ella Van Leeuwen, who was approximately a year and a half old, passed away (1). In 2010, Ella's babysitter, Megan Martzen, was arrested and charged with her death (2, 3). While in jail, Megan was pregnant (4) and gave birth, at which time CPS became involved (5). (The child was allowed to stay with his father.)
During the trial against Megan, which took place in 2013, prosecutors alleged shaken baby syndrome, while defense presented her as good with kids (6) & argued that Ella had had two accidents in the time before her death (6, 7, 8). As you can see from the video & link above, the cases has ended (for now) in a mistrial.
In 2009, Ella Van Leeuwen, who was approximately a year and a half old, passed away (1). In 2010, Ella's babysitter, Megan Martzen, was arrested and charged with her death (2, 3). While in jail, Megan was pregnant (4) and gave birth, at which time CPS became involved (5). (The child was allowed to stay with his father.)
During the trial against Megan, which took place in 2013, prosecutors alleged shaken baby syndrome, while defense presented her as good with kids (6) & argued that Ella had had two accidents in the time before her death (6, 7, 8). As you can see from the video & link above, the cases has ended (for now) in a mistrial.
- Mysterious Death of a Reedley Toddler February 26, 2009
- Megan Martzen Arrested for Death of Reedley Toddler April 27, 2010
- Megan Martzen Charged in Death of Reedley Toddler April 28, 2010
- Accused baby murderer likely to give birth in the Fresno County jail May 13, 2010
- Reedley woman accused in child's death gives birth September 01, 2010
- Friends of Martzen take stand in her defense February 02, 2013
- Two doctors testify in Megan Martzen murder trial January 31, 2013
- Closing Arguments in Megan Martzen Murder Trial, Case in Jury's Hands February 8, 2013
