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Gene Kennedy and Mary Richards ReportingThe Syracuse couple accused of killing their 10-year old daughter told a judge they're not guilty. The plea came at their arraignment today.
What we've been hearing all along is that the victim's step-mother, Angela Andrews, may have mental problems. We're still waiting for psychiatric evaluations to come back, but the thought was she was going to plead not guilty due to what's called "diminished capacity." It's similar to an insanity plea.
That didn't happen. Angela Andrews entered a not guilty plea along with her husband Ryan. Angela's attorney says they're still exploring her mental state but the plea was designed to move the case towards a trial.
This case has caused a lot of outrage throughout Northern Utah. The state says Ryan Andrews beat his 10-year old daughter Shelby for days and her step-mom Angela just watched. Investigators say Ryan Andrews beat his daughter in the genital region, all because she was a difficult child. Despite so much media attention, Angela Andrews' attorney is confident that a jury can be fair.
Dee Smith, Angela Andrews' Attorney; "It's a complex case that people need to be patient on, let it play out throughout the legal course."
There is another surprise in this case. We thought the two would be tried separately. At this point there are no plans for that. They're both accused in this crime and they will both face a jury together, unless a new motion comes up to change that.
