OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – The caretaker for an Omaha 4-year-old whose cold, plastic-wrapped body was found hidden under basement stairs has been found guilty of intentional child abuse resulting in the girl’s death.
On Friday Judge Greg Schatz convicted 22-year-old Chelsey Cook after a three-day, nonjury trial. Cook faces up to 20 years in prison when she’s sentenced Aug. 9.
Prosecutors say Cook knew that the girl, Alicia Morrow, needed medical attention but did not call 911 because there was a warrant out for her arrest. An autopsy showed the girl died of hypothermia at Cook’s home in January.
Alicia’s mother, Lakisha Morrow, said Cook offered to care for Alicia when Morrow was homeless.