MIAMI – A South Florida woman has been convicted of kidnapping and child abuse in the case of 4-year-old foster child Rilya Wilson, who disappeared more than 12 years ago. A mistrial was declared on a murder charge.
Jurors said Friday they were unable to resolve their 11-1 split on that murder count against 67-year-old Geralyn Graham. She was convicted of kidnapping and three child abuse counts following an eight-week trial.
Rilya vanished in late 2000, but her disappearance was not discovered for 15 months. That lapse led to high-level resignations at the state Department of Children and Families and passage of child welfare reform laws.
Rilya's body has never been found. Prosecutors relied heavily on testimony by jailhouse informants who said Graham confessed to them behind bars.
Graham maintained her innocence.
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