HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — A judge has granted bond for a woman accused of killing a 2-year-old foster child.
Jennifer Rosenbaum is charged with the murder of Laila Daniel.
Rosenbaum called 911 last month and said the child was choking.
The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.
A judge on Tuesday granted Rosenbaum a $100,000 bond. She is not allowed to leave the state without court approval.
Several character witnesses testified on Rosenbaum’s behalf, saying she was not a flight risk and that she never showed any violent behavior.
Rosenbaum is a one time candidate for the Henry County Commission.
The child's family is outraged by the judge’s decision.
“I cannot believe he gave her a bond. That child was in her care and she died. She needs to be held responsible for that. I mean, she was 2 years old,” family friend Tammy Martin said.
Laila's biological family said there may have been months of abuse leading up to her death.
Her mother said she called the Division of Family and Children Services multiple times to get the children removed from the home because she felt it was unsafe but believes the state did not take her seriously.
Channel 2’s Audrey Washington spoke with the Division of Family and Children Services, which is investigating the circumstances surrounding the case to determine if changes are needed in how a worker reports child injuries.
“I think there may have been opportunities there that were missed,” DFCS spokesperson Bobby Cagle said.
Some of Laila’s family members remain optimistic.
“I know there are steps and this is just the first one, and I know everything is going to work out and Laila will get justice,” the child’s great aunt Kim Smith said.
If convicted, Rosenbaum could face life in prison.
WSBTV
