As we all know about Summer Lytle Phelp's and her fate. I know we are sickened and saddened that her Mother's myspace site is still up.The link to it is http://www.myspace.com/angeleyes0921
Myspace needs to know what we think. WE WANT THIS SITE REMOVED NOW!!! sign on the bottom and repost this so that we can let them know what we all think and feel.
Prosecutor adds charges in Spokane girl's abuse death
03/15/2007
Associated Press
Prosecutors amended homicide by abuse charges that could result in longer prison sentences if a Spokane couple accused of killing a 4-year-old girl is convicted.
Jack Driscoll, Spokane County chief deputy criminal prosecutor, on Wednesday added three aggravating circumstances to the homicide by abuse charge against Jonathan D. Lytle, 28, and Adriana L. Lytle, 32.
Jonathan Lytle's daughter, Summer Lytle, stopped breathing in the bathtub after her stepmother left her alone after forcing her to wash soiled items for more than 10 hours as punishment for urinating on herself, according to court records.
During the seven months she lived with her father and stepmother in an apartment less than two blocks from the Public Safety Building, the girl suffered a pattern of abuse that included a dog-shock collar, burns to her face, a bite mark and extensive bruising extending from her upper thighs to the top of her head, court documents say.
Jonathan and Adriana Lytle remain in the Spokane County Jail on $500,000 bond each.
Spokane police said Thursday they have made contact with the girl's biological mother, Elizabeth Phelps of Poulsbo.
"The mother of Summer Phelps would like to thank the Spokane community for all the love and support extended to her and Summer's family this week," police said in a press release. "Elizabeth Phelps is in Spokane to meet with Spokane police major crimes detectives about her daughter's death."
Driscoll said aggravating circumstances included violating a position of trust, deliberate cruelty and a particularly vulnerable victim.
While the death penalty is not available, homicide by abuse carries the same standard prison sentence as first-degree murder: 20 to 26 1/2 years in prison if convicted.
If a jury also finds aggravating circumstances, the judge could sentence the Lytles to more prison time, Driscoll said.
County Medical Examiner Sally Aiken said Summer died as a result of homicide, but she has not officially determined the cause of death.
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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesmanreview.com
Defense attorney asks judge to delay funeral
Thomas Clouse
Staff writer
March 16, 2007
A legal battle may delay the funeral of a girl who police say was killed by abuse last weekend.
Jonathan D. Lytle, 28, and Adriana L. Lytle, 32, were in court Thursday for a first appearance on amended charges of homicide by abuse in connection with the Sunday death of Summer Phelps, 4, previously identified in court records as Summer Lytle.
Spokane County prosecutors on Wednesday added three aggravating factors against the girl's father and stepmother, which could mean more prison time for the couple if they are convicted.
Superior Court Judge Michael Price set an arraignment date of 4 p.m. next Wednesday for both Lytles. Price also said a hearing should be held Monday to allow the prosecution and defense to make their arguments for why Summer's body should not be released to her biological mother, Elizabeth Phelps, for a funeral.
Assistant Public Defender John Whaley asked Price to delay any burial plans.
"The obvious reason for such a holding on to the body, at least for some period of time, is so that evidence can be obtained from that body," Whaley said. "If it is sent to be processed for burial and buried too quickly, there is certainly evidence that could be lost … because of that premature act."
Deputy Prosecutor Deborah King said she had consulted with fellow Deputy Prosecutor Larry Steinmetz, and they were both opposed to any burial delays.
"The state would ask that you not require or forbid the ongoing burial plans for the victim in this matter. It is my understanding … that the mother does want to proceed with those arrangements," King said. "If Your Honor is inclined to do that, we would ask for an immediate hearing."
Price entered an order preventing the burial but said both sides should appear Monday for a hearing to argue the merits of delaying the burial any longer.
The Lytles were arrested Sunday morning after Jonathan Lytle took Summer to Deaconess Medical Center.
The little girl had bruises from her thighs up to her head and had clumps of hair missing. She could not be revived.
Detectives found a bite mark, a burn and extensive injuries. Spokane County Medical Examiner Sally Aiken has not released an official cause of death but said that Summer died as a result of homicide, or by the actions of another person.
Price ordered both Lytles to remain in the Spokane County Jail on $500,000 bond each.
