Pocono News Section

Parents Go to Trial After Toddler's Death

Parents Go to Trial After Toddler's Death - Monday, March 10, 2008 at 5:00PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Monday, Mar 10, 2008 @05:00pm EST

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- The trial of the parents of an Edwardsville toddler who died more than two years ago started Monday in the Luzerne County Courthouse.

Prosecutors say it's all about two parents neglecting their child. In opening arguments, that's what they said caused the death of 14-month-old Alana Gould of Edwardsville. Lauren Callahan and Samuel Gould are on trial for the toddler's death. Their baby died in their Edwardsville home back in December 2005.

Callahan and Gould found her dead in her crib. An initial autopsy listed the death as undetermined, but nearly a year and a half later, a pediatrician said baby Alana died from severe dehydration.

Gould was then arrested, and charged with involuntary manslaughter, and endangering the welfare of a child. Callahan was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

In Monday's testimony, the prosecution said the baby wasn't fed for nearly 16 hours, and her room was sweltering hot. Defense attorney's say the baby was fed three times the day before her death, and showed no signs of dehydration.

They also said the pediatrician diagnosing dehydration wasn't there for the first autopsy. Calahan's family is expected to take the witness stand. This case is expected to go to the jury by the end of the week.