A Henderson mother accused of starving her 14-month-old daughter to death pleaded not guilty Thursday.
Alivia Bree Thrift, 26, was indicted last week on a count of murder and a count of child abuse, neglect or endangerment resulting in substantial bodily harm.
Her daughter, Evangelina Thrift, died March 24, according to the Clark County coroner’s office. The child’s death was ruled a homicide by starvation.
Thrift told Chief District Judge Tierra Jones she had read the charges against her.
“I understand the meaning of them, but not why they’re applied here,” she said.
She waived her right to a speedy trial.
Thrift is being held in jail without bail.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Brianna Lamanna said last week that prosecutors believe they can show the defendant intentionally starved her baby to death.
“She was 14 months old at the time of her death, and she was nine pounds, which, as your honor is probably aware, is the size of a zero- to 3-month-old, typically,” the prosecutor said. “You could see her bones, her face was caved in and her body, including her heart and several of her organs, had showed the ongoing starvation that had happened of this child.”
Contact Noble Brigham at nbrigham@reviewjournal.com.
