Officials with the Cambria County District Attorney’s office confirmed that a Johnstown mother who is accused of abusing and killing her 14-month-old daughter pleaded no contest earlier this week during a pre-trial hearing.
Police charged Veronica Lewis last May in the death of her daughter, Gianna Rice-Lewis, who was found unresponsive at a home along Grove Avenue.
According to an affidavit, police say Lewis allegedly abused the girl because “she would not stop crying.”
The toddler was transported to Conemaugh Hospital, where she later passed away.
Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees later ruled that the toddler died as a result of “massive blood loss due to blunt force trauma from abuse.”
On Tuesday, officials say Lewis pleaded no contest to one felony count of third-degree murder.
Lewis was initially scheduled to go to trial later this month.
Authorities say she is now scheduled to be sentenced on June 12th.
