MIDDLESBORO, Ky. — Several months after a mother was charged with killing a 17-month-old toddler, the Middlesboro Police Department said more information about her cause of death was made available on Wednesday.
Elena Hembree was taken to the Middlesboro ARH Hospital on July 28, 2023, and was later flown to the East Tennessee Children's Hospital due to the extent of her injuries. The 17-month-old died on July 30, 2023, and Erica Lawson, her mother, was charged with murder.
Originally, authorities said the child had been sexually assaulted as well as severely injured. A later court filing said no male DNA was found after a sexual assault collection kit was used on her. The Middlesboro Police Department also confirmed Wednesday that no male DNA was found in the Kentucky State Police Forensic Lab's analysis.
MPD also said an autopsy report prepared by the Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office revealed that Hembree died due to "non-accidental blunt force trauma."
"We want to assure the public that the safety and well-being of our community remain paramount. We now have the essential and needed information to work on this case with the Federal Bureau of Investigation since all documentation has been obtained to move forward in the manner which this case deserves," MPD said in a release.
Lawson now faces a possible death penalty in the case, after prosecutors said she did not help the child when she was unable to breathe, and accused Lawson of abusing her. They also said she used drugs while she was supposed to be caring for Hembree. Prosecutors said because Hembree was so young and they said the killing was deliberate, courts should consider the death penalty.
Community leaders are spearheading "Elena's Law," which calls for harsher punishments for child abuse.