SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The trial has begun for a Salem woman whose 2-year-old daughter was beaten to death by a former boyfriend in March 2008.
Amanda Burciaga faces felony criminal mistreatment charges. Prosecutors say the 20-year-old failed to take action to protect her two children from Russell Ros.
Defense attorney Lester Seto said during his opening statement there is no evidence his client knew that Ros was abusing the girl and her 4-year-old brother.
Burciaga left her children in Ros’ care while she worked out-of-state as a prostitute. Ros had a previous conviction for physically abusing her son and was ordered not to have further contact with the children.