Foster parents found guilty of murder in toddler's 2015 death

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — A Henry County woman accused of killing her 2-year-old foster daughter was found guilty of felony murder Thursday afternoon.

Jennifer and Joseph Rosenbaum were facing 49 counts in the 2015 death of Laila Daniel.

Jennifer Rosenbaum was found not guilty of malice murder, but guilty of felony murder and several other charges, including aggravated assault and cruelty to children. Her husband, Joseph Rosenbaum, was also found guilty of several counts, including second-degree murder, aggravated assault and cruelty to children. In total, they were found guilty on roughly 36 of the 49 charges.

Jennifer Rosenbaum was sentenced to life in prison plus 40 years in prison. Joseph Rosenbaum was sentenced to 50 year in prison, with 30 to serve and 10 years probation.

As the verdict was read, the couple and several people inside the courtroom were seen visibly crying.

Investigators said Laila died from a strong hit to the stomach. Prosecutors said it was part of a long history of abuse. But the defense claimed the Rosenbaums were trying to save Laila, who was choking on a chicken nugget.

"It was the Heimlich maneuver gone bad," defense attorney Corinne Mull said.

Wednesday evening, the jury in the case was sequestered. The decision came after one juror had to be replaced for talking with an Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter.

RELATED STORIES:

• Jury being sequestered in trial for foster parents accused in toddler's death
• Child died in hands of foster mother who tried to save her life, defense says
• Slain toddler's sister testifies against former foster parents in murder trial

The defense requested a mistrial saying even the media coverage is too much.

"Despite the court's order, the media has repeatedly and fragrantly violated Rule 22 that was not showing the juror's faces, that it was not filming during breaks."

The judge denied the request for a mistrial. With the sequestration, the jurors went from the courthouse to hotel rooms and were guarded by deputies.

Day two of deliberations began at 9 a.m. and jurors reached a verdict around 4:30 p.m.

Cox Media Group