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Pocono News Section
Simmons Trial Deliberations
Simmons Trial Deliberations - Friday, December 12, 2008 at 7:10PM EST
Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County -
Prosecutors say Simmons is pointing the finger at everyone but herself in this case. In closing arguments, Simmons was blasted for not sticking to a children and youth safety agreement. The defense on the other hand pleaded with the jury to end Simmon's nightmare now with a not guilty verdict.
Tiffany Simmons of Hazleton , seen here, testified in her own trial Friday. She was the last witness to take the stand. Crying at some points, she tried to convince the jury she didn't play a part in her son's death. She said she did everything she could to save her 3 month old, Xavier Simmons.
Back in January baby Xavier died. Investigators say Simmon's boyfriend, Allan Leitzel junior, shook Xavier and hit him causing the death.
According to police, it happened at Leitzel's house, a place baby Xavier wasn't supposed to be. Children and youth services told Simmons to keep the baby away from Leitzel. He has a criminal history with an assault charge.
Simmons told the jury, “I agreed with children and youth services, but I thought it was foolish to have to keep my son away from my boyfriend.”
Prosecutors pinpointed parts of Simmon's testimony in closing arguments. They said Simmons didn't put Xavier's needs before hers.
The defense closed saying Allan Leitzel wasn't as dangerous as he was made out to be. Leitzel had a child of his own with no history of child abuse. The defense attorney said everyone wants to blame someone for baby Xavier's death, but Tiffanny Simmon's shouldn't bear that blame. | | |
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