TEXARKANA — The mother of a slain 2-year-old and her boyfriend are facing charges in Miller County in the toddler’s death.
Simone Alberta Franklin, 24, and Damien Ford, 27, have been charged in the death of Christopher Peoples Jr.
Franklin is accused of doing nothing as Ford beat the child for hours April 30, 2012, according to a probable-cause affidavit.
Ford told investigators he was hitting the baby because he refused to call him daddy, the affidavit said.
Franklin had access to a cell phone and walked to a nearby EZ-Mart while Ford beat the baby but did nothing to intervene, the affidavit said.
Results from Christopher’s autopsy revealed at least 35 separate looped strike marks, some of which appeared to be weeks old, Deputy Prosecutor Stephanie Black said. Markson the child’s thighs and buttocks appeared fresh.
Franklin has been charged with being an accomplice to first-degree battery and with permitting the abuse of a minor. She faces 10 to 40 years or life if convicted of being an accomplice to first-degree battery. Permitting the abuse of a minor is punishable by five to 20 years and a fine up to $15,000.
Ford faces 10 to 40 years or life if convicted of first-degree battery. Ford is also charged with aggravated assault and faces up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.
Ford is also charged with a second-degree battery of a child alleged to have occurred during March 2012. That offense is punishable by up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Franklin is in the Miller County jail. She has been unable to post bond on a $75,000 bail. Ford is in custody as well. His bail is set at $40,000.
Northwest Arkansas, Pages 8 on 02/19/2013