N. Idaho Woman Still Faces Charges Alleging She Killed Two Year Old

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — A 2nd District judge says he won't throw out the grand jury indictment of a Lewiston baby sitter who has been charged with murder in the death of a 2-year-old.

The Lewiston Tribune reports Judge Jeff Brudie denied the motion from Natasha N. Hodges to throw out her indictment on a first-degree murder charge. Prosecutors say the 29-year-old 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.