Woman pleads guilty over death of Eastern Cherokee toddler

Tuesday, February 19, 2013  

A North Carolina woman pleaded guilty in connection with the death of a young member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Ladybird Powell, 39, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, extortion, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of felony child abuse. She admitted that her actions led to the death of her 15-month-old grandniece, Aubrey Littlejohn.

Aubrey was in the foster care system in Swain County. She was living in a home off the reservation when she died in January 2011.

Two social workers have been charged for obstruction of justice in connection with the case.

Get the Story:
Woman pleads guilty to killing her 15-month-old niece in case that stunned community (AP 2/18)
Swain woman guilty in toddler's death (The Asheville Citizen-Times 2/19)

Related Stories:
Social worker charged in Eastern Cherokee case back on the job (6/15)
Social service director fired after death of Eastern Cherokee girl (06/29)
Autopsy for death of Eastern Cherokee girl still not public (4/27)
County social workers excluded from Eastern Cherokee lands (3/22)
Eastern Cherokees consider taking child services from county (3/17)
Authorities investigating death of Eastern Cherokee baby girl (2/23)