The trial of Kristina Edwards is set to begin soon following 6 pretrial appearances, countless motions, and more than two dozen witness subpoenas.
20-month-old Zariah Malee Greene was rushed to Southern Ohio Medical Center and pronounced dead on January 6, prompting police to begin an investigation.
What happened on that tragic day?
Baby Zariah had been placed in kinship care by Scioto County Children’s Services. In spite of this, overnight visits with the toddler were allowed for Kristina Edwards, the biological mother. After visiting with Edwards, the child was returned to the kinship caregiver in very poor shape. Upon dropping off the baby, Edwards allegedly said that the baby was sleeping and took her straight to bed.
Upon checking on the sleeping child, the kinship caregiver realized something was very wrong. The baby was rushed to the hospital immediately, but it was too late. A source familiar with the investigation believes Edwards delivered a dead child.
This is the third child to die while under CPS supervision in the past 3 years. Baby Dylan Groves died in 2019 and five-year-old Annabel Green was killed in July of 2020. In September of 2017, Margarita White was called an “Animal” by the judge. She was sentenced to life for the death of young Tyler “TJ” Caudill.
As of right now, we are unable to confirm whether Zsailynn Amari Conley, 4, who was shot and killed near Mound Park, was being supervised by CPS.
What happened during the initial investigation?
Officers confiscated electronic devices from Kristina Edwards, 36, of Charles Street, and Larry Weaver, Jr., 22, of Dexter Street. A police search was conducted at the homes of Edwards and Weaver.
During the investigation, detectives recovered 29 grams of Meth, 13 grams of Heroin/Fentanyl, marijuana, scales, a firearm, and $4,200 in cash.
Kristina Edwards was arrested for child endangerment, and trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, and meth in the vicinity of a minor. Also arrested was Larry L. Weaver for child endangerment, trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, and meth in the vicinity of a juvenile.
After the original charges, involuntary manslaughter was added to both Edwards and Weaver.
Concern for Zariah’s safety was met with scorn and a firm warning.
According to police reports, relatives of the baby reported possible child endangerment.
Concerned relatives were reportedly scolded for filing false police reports. There was even a threat that Kristiana Edwards could file stalking charges against them.
There will be a separate trial for Larry Weaver. Over the past 191 days, he has been detained in the Scioto County Jail. There are ten charges against Weaver including involuntary manslaughter.