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Hiawatha Woman Pleads Not Guilty In Murder Case

By Brian Hagen

10/28/2013

Janice Summerford

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman has pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with the March beating death of a 4-year-old boy.

28-year-old Janice Summerford entered the plea Monday in Brown County District Court to charges of first-degree murder, abuse of a child, obstructing apprehension or prosecution and three counts of interference with law enforcement.

A jury trial was set to start January 21st.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill filed an amended complaint against Summerford last month prior to her preliminary hearing charging her with the six felony counts. She had originally been charged with three felony counts—including aiding and abetting murder in the 2nd degree.

The child’s father, Lee Davis IV, of Hiawatha, is currently behind bars serving a nearly 20-year prison sentence after being convicted on an amended charge of second-degree murder and felony child abuse.

Authorities say Summerford was Davis’ live-in girlfriend and was the child’s primary caregiver.

During her preliminary hearing, Davis testified Summerford was responsible for his son’s death.

She was arrested in late April following an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.

Summerford remains in the Brown County Jail on one million dollars bond.

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