N. Idaho Babysitter will Still Stand Trial for Death of Baby

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — A northern Idaho judge has rejected a request from a baby sitter to throw out a grand jury indictment charging her with first-degree murder in the death of a 2-year-old. The Lewiston Tribune reports that 2nd District Judge Jeff M. Brudie denied the request by 30-year-old Natasha N. Hodges. Hodges' attorney argued that a doctor's statements to police and her testimony to the grand jury conflicted. Prosecutors say Hodges was watching Rylee Mingo in 2012 when she struck the child in the abdomen, causing internal bleeding. Hodges called 911 when the toddler started having trouble breathing, but Rylee died a short time later at a local hospital. Hodges has pleaded not guilty. Her trial is set for March 10.