JUSTICE for ZaNaya! A mother accused of starving her toddler to death is set to stand trial in Pima County Superior Court in April. Kiyana Higgins, 25, is accused of child abuse and first-degree murder in the 2012 death of her 22-month old daughter, Za’naya Flores. Higgins will stand trial before Pima County Superior Court Judge Deborah Bernini. In April, Higgins was referred to Pima County’s Restoration to Competency program because she was found unable to understand court proceedings and aid in her own defense. Defendants in restoration are evaluated and provided education services tailored to their circumstances. The goal of the program is to determine whether a person can be restored to competency and face trial or accept a plea agreement. In August, Higgins was found legally competent and able to participate in her own defense. Her mother and sister also were initially implicated in the case. The child lived with her mother at her grandmother Clara Huyghue’s home near South Alvernon Way and East 29th Street. Autopsy reports showed Za’naya Flores weighed less than 15 pounds at the time of her death. Medical examiner reports said the child’s organs were small and below weight for her age. The reports also showed the child had numerous scars and bruises on her body. Murder and child abuse charges against Huyghue, 55, were dropped earlier this month following a preliminary hearing. At that hearing, Pima County Superior Court Judge Teresa Godoy determined not enough evidence to charge Huyghue was presented and ordered the charges dismissed. A preliminary hearing was scheduled in the case after previous indictments against Huyghue were sent back to the grand jury. At a preliminary hearing the judge determines, after hearing arguments from both sides, whether a defendant can face charges. Previous grand jury indictments against Huyghue were sent back for additional review as well. Huyghue was accused of child abuse and murder for allegedly failing to seek medical attention for her granddaughter. Her defense attorneys argued that Za’naya Flores’ residency at Huyghue’s alone did not make their client responsible for the child’s abuse or death Higgins sister, Keshawna Higgins, 28, also was charged with child abuse and first-degree murder in connection with the child’s death. In July she pleaded guilty to child abuse and was sentenced to 2½ years in prison.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 19:09:49 +0000
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