Step-grandmother pleads not guilty in girl’s death

DANVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A central Kentucky woman has pleaded not guilty to murder in the death of her step-granddaughter.

The Advocate-Messenger (http://bit.ly/1DlurpF) reports 40-year-old Shila Raley appeared Tuesday in Boyle Circuit Court for her arraignment. Judge Darren Peckler set her bond at $1 million cash.

Police arrested Raley of Parksville last month in the June death of 3-year-old Alexa K. Raley. An autopsy found that the girl died of blunt force trauma to her abdomen and torso.

Boyle County prosecutor Richie Bottoms said forensic evidence in the case "points to Ms. Raley" including medical reports and the autopsy.

Public defender Susanne McCollough said she intends to present evidence about other possible suspects at an upcoming bond hearing. She says the case "is not a slam dunk" against her client.

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Information from: The (Danville, Ky.) Advocate-Messenger, http://www.centralkynews.com/amnews

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