Such excellent reporting on this case - it really has to be commended, wish every case had the same amount of detail.
I think the jury will convict SB of murder and without much deliberation. As far as FS, I think she will be found not guilty of murder, and I am doubtful if she will get found guilty of causing or allowing …. If there was a cruelty or neglect charge, I think she would be found guilty - What are your thoughts?
I agree. I’m on the fence if FS is guilty of causing/allowing. It’s not beyond reasonable doubt IMO.
The jury have to be convinced that FS knew she was putting Star at risk of
significant harm by contact with SB. I think after the 13th she beyond reasonable doubt knew there was risk of
some harm. But that’s not causing/allowing death.
There’s no evidence she knew SB was assaulting her before the recycling plant weekend. Even then she was only suspicious, and didn’t know the severity of the attacks.
After FS’s suspicions began after the recycling plant, SB only saw Star twice more, both with FS present. Allegedly, the moment FS left for the toilet was when Star was murdered. It could be argued that FS’s presence ought to reasonably be thought to prevent harm.
The worst thing to me is that FS was intending for SB to babysit Star by herself again on the 25th, before the murder put paid to that.
I think she did cause/allow Stars death, because she certainly caused/allowed harm, to what degree the extent of the harm is unclear, but babies are so delicate. But causing/allowing is probably not beyond reasonable doubt, so I’m unsure if she’ll be convicted.
I really wish she was charged with child cruelty because that would be definite.