Published: October 27, 2006 09:45 am
Latimer indicted for capital murder
$750,000 bond set in death of foster child
By Bob Belcher

A Navarro County Grand Jury Thursday indicted Beverly Latimer, 53, on charges of capital murder of a child under the age of 6.

Latimer is charged in the death of a foster child under her care on September 4 at Latimer's home in Corsicana. Bond was set at $750,000 for Latimer, who is in custody in the Navarro County Jail, according to Navarro County District Attorney Steve Keathley.

Rescue personnel were called to the Latimer home on Labor Day on a report of an unresponsive child. The child, a 16 month old boy, one of five foster children in the home under Latimer's care, later died at Navarro Regional Hospital. The child's 3 year old brother was also under Latimer's care at the time.

An autopsy ordered by Justice of the Peace Connie Mayfield ruled the death a homicide with a probable cause of death as "blunt force trauma." Latimer was arrested on the murder charge in September.

If Latimer is convicted of the charge against her, prosecutors could seek the death penalty.

The agency that placed the child and his brother in the home, Mesa, has since ceased participation in the Texas foster care system.

Bob Belcher may be contacted via e-mail at belcher@corsicanadailysun.com

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