A Henderson mother is facing one of the most serious accusations a parent can hear and she is fighting it in court. Alivia Bree Thrift pleaded not guilty this week to charges that she starved her 14-month-old daughter, Evangelina Thrift, to death. Prosecutors say Evangelina died on March 24, and the Clark County coroner has ruled the case a homicide caused by starvation. Thrift has waived her right to a speedy trial and remains held without bail at the Regional Justice Center.
Coroner’s findings and what prosecutors allege
According to Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Clark County coroner determined that Evangelina’s death was a homicide by starvation. In court, prosecutors told the judge the 14-month-old weighed roughly nine pounds at the time of her death, which they noted is about the size of a newborn. Chief Deputy District Attorney Brianna LaManna told the court that the state believes Thrift intentionally starved her daughter, according to the outlet.
Custody status and where the case is playing out
The indictment cited in press reports includes one count of murder and one count of child abuse, neglect or endangerment resulting in substantial bodily harm, based on court filings. Thrift is being held without bail at the Regional Justice Center in downtown Las Vegas, which handles Eighth Judicial District proceedings, per Clark County Courts.
Charges on the table and what happens next
Prosecutors say they intend to move the case forward and have signaled that additional filings could follow as the investigation continues, Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. Thrift entered a not guilty plea at her arraignment. The court is expected to set pretrial dates and determine what additional evidence, if any, will become public as the case proceeds.
