PHOENIX – The Latest on a woman's trial in a girl's death (all times local):
10:19 a.m.
The start of the trial of a Phoenix woman charged with murder in the 2011 death of her 10-year-old cousin who was found dead inside a padlocked plastic storage box has been delayed.
Investigators say Ame (pronounced AY-me) Deal was put in the box as punishment for having stolen an ice pop.
Sammantha Lucille Rebecca Allen faces murder and child abuse charges. Her trial was scheduled to begin Monday, but officials say it's now expected to begin later this week.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Allen and her husband, John Michael Allen, whose trial is scheduled for Aug. 7.
Both have pleaded not guilty.
Investigators say Sammantha Allen and her husband made the girl get into the box the night before and fell asleep without letting her out.
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12:05 a.m.
Jury selection begins Monday for a Phoenix woman charged with murder in the 2011 death of her 10-year-old cousin who was found dead inside a padlocked plastic storage box.
Investigators say Ame (pronounced AY-me) Deal was put in the box as punishment for having stolen a popsicle.
Sammantha Lucille Rebecca Allen faces murder and child abuse charges stemming from the child's death.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Allen and her husband, John Michael Allen, who is scheduled to be tried on Aug. 7.
Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Investigators say Sammantha Allen and her husband are responsible for making Deal get into the box the night before and had fallen asleep without letting her out.
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