New York mother and ex-boyfriend to undergo separate trials for the beating death of 5-year-old child.

A woman from Syracuse, New York, accused of fatally beating her five-year-old daughter and her ex-boyfriend, who allegedly assisted in concealing the child’s remains, will be tried separately, according to a ruling made by a local judge. The decision was announced on Tuesday in Onondaga County Court as the case continues to draw significant public attention.

Latasha Mott, the mother of the deceased child, is facing serious charges, including second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. Prosecutors allege that Mott inflicted multiple severe beatings on her daughter, Nefertiti “Neffy” Harris, with a belt while the child was showering in early 2024. Tragically, after a prolonged investigation, the young girl’s body was discovered over two months later in a wooded area on Syracuse’s East Side.

An autopsy conducted by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office on March 27, 2024, confirmed that the cause of death was due to multiple blunt force injuries, declaring the manner of death a homicide. Mott’s ex-boyfriend, Corrice Parks, has also been charged in connection with this alarming incident, specifically with helping to hide the body. He faces charges of concealment of a human corpse and hindering prosecution.

The legal strategies of both Mott and Parks are reportedly conflicting, as their attorneys prepare to present separate defenses. Mott’s defense team has suggested in previous court sessions that Parks bears responsibility for the child’s death, asserting that the blame should not fall solely on Mott.

During the recent court proceedings, Judge Matthew Doran emphasized the necessity of holding separate trials for Mott and Parks, citing the complex nature of the case and the potential for conflicting defenses. This decision comes amid concerns raised by Parks’ attorney, who argued that Mott’s defense could unfairly shift all responsibility onto Parks.

Both defendants are scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on January 7, 2025. The trial for Mott is set to commence shortly thereafter on January 20, 2025. The proceedings continue to underscore the gravity of the charges involved in this tragic case and the impact on the community as it seeks justice for the young victim. The court system is poised to address the multifaceted legal issues as the narratives of both defendants unfold in the coming weeks.