SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (AP) -- The roommate of a South Carolina woman charged with homicide by child abuse in the death of a 3-year-old girl in her care is also facing similar charges. Multiple media outlets report investigators charged 23-year-old Shanita Cunningham with homicide by child abuse Friday. Cunningham lived with 23-year-old Erica Butts, who was arrested after Serenity Richardson died Tuesday. Police wouldn't talk about Cunningham's role in the girl's death. Authorities say the girl had bruises all over her body and a large burn on her leg. They say she was beaten with a belt after wetting her pants. Police say Butts was taking care of the child while her mother tried to move from Detroit. It wasn't immediately clear if either woman had an attorney.
11/7/2009 3:58:04 PM
