Witches Kill Baby
Little girl had 40 puncture wounds and a snapped neck
Pagan tattoos may match baby girl's wounds
Photos of couple's religious markings studied in probe of toddler's death
Prosecutors have obtained photographs of a Springfield Township couple's neopagan tattoos in an effort to match the markings to puncture wounds on the woman's slain year-old daughter.
Daniel Duffield and Vanessa McGlumphy are charged in connection with the neck-snapping death of McGlumphy's 13-month-old daughter Jacqueline Mae Cooper.
Aside from the fatal neck injury, the toddler's body was also riddled with more than 40 puncture wounds, 12 broken ribs and a lacerated liver.
Prosecutors last week received permission from Summit County Common Pleas Judge Marvin Shapiro to photograph the couple to determine whether their religious tattoos match puncture wounds that appear on the toddler's feet.
According to court records, the child had puncture wounds on her foot in the shape of a Wicca or Celtic symbol.
In addition, prosecutors say that Duffield and McGlumphy told investigators that they wanted to raise the girl in their Wiccan faith, an earth-based religion sometimes called ``The Craft'' or the ``The Craft of the Wise.''
Duffield told investigators that he placed the Wiccan pentacle symbol on the girl's feet, prosecutors say.
Photos of the couple's markings were taken last week at the Summit County Jail, where the two are being held. Duffield's tattoos include a skull and dagger, an anarchy symbol, a demon and a Celtic cross, prosecutors say. McGlumphy's include a goat head, Medusa and a she-devil.
Prosecutors say a needle containing the child's DNA was found near her crib around the time of her death.
The child's puncture wounds, prosecutors contend, are evidence of abuse at the hands of Duffield and proof that McGlumphy ignored the girl's injuries.
``For (McGlumphy), Wicca is nothing but an appreciation and love of nature,'' said defense lawyer Tom Adgate, who represents the woman.
Adgate said his client ``didn't notice -- and she didn't condone'' -- the symbol puncture wounds. ``And she doesn't know when it was done.''
Duffield's lawyers could not be reached for comment.
Duffield, 32, is charged with murder, involuntary manslaughter, child endangering and felonious assault involving puncturing the girl's feet and face.
McGlumphy, 25, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and child endangering. Each has pleaded not guilty.
Both are scheduled for trial Monday, but Duffield has asked for a delay to allow his lawyers more time to prepare for trial. Shapiro is expected to rule on the request in a hearing.
The toddler died Oct. 6 from either a dislocation at the top of the spine -- from blunt impact to the head -- or a ``hyperextension/hyperflexion'' of the neck, according to autopsy reports.
On Tuesday, a juvenile court judge granted temporary custody of the girl's twin sister to McGlumphy's father. The arrangement was agreed to by the child's biological father.
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Posted by Editor at January 21, 2005 07:57 AM
