Mother hysterical after baby's scalding death, witnesses say
May 05, 2011 1:58 PM
LANCE BENZEL
THE GAZETTE
A Colorado Springs woman accused of first-degree murder in the drowning of her infant son in March would get so angry at her husband that she “didn’t want to touch” the boy, a detective testified Thursday.
Estella Toleafoa, 23, is accused of leaving 9-month-old Erich Tyler Jr. unattended in a bathtub on March 8 while she went across the street and bought chicken wings and cigarettes.
When Toleafoa returned, authorities say, the boy was lifeless – the victim of drowning and scalding of 80 percent of his body.
The murder charge alleges that Toleafoa “knowingly” caused her child’s death by leaving him unsupervised in the tub.
During a preliminary hearing that began Thursday, Colorado Springs police detective Fred Walker testified that a friend of Toleafoa said the woman complained bitterly about her husband, a Fort Carson soldier who was serving in Afghanistan at the time of their son’s death.
Toleafoa suspected Erich Tyler Sr. was having an affair, and told her friend the faltering marriage affected her feelings toward their son, Walker testified.
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This is my son and grandson. We are dealing with many feelings but one I can express is that my grandson will have JUSTICE!!! I will spend my time and energy getting that JUSTICE for him. My sweet Little "E" with a smile that was like the sun above. Yes, he will have JUSTICE!!!! Its all about my grandson!!!!
ReplyDeleteGod willing there will be justice soon but rest assured there will be justice one day. My prayers are with you and your family.
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