Children Of Woman Accused In Pottawatomie County Child Death Case Testify

Beaten, choked and force fed. These are just a few of the allegations against a stepmother on trial for child abuse.

The stepmother listened to the evidence against her. That included testimony from her own children.

7/16/2012 Related Story: Jury Selection Begins In Pottawatomie County Child Death Case

The children appeared frightened to testify when the defense reenacted some of the alleged abuse against Jennifer Jimenez, not only did the witness break down in tears, but so did the family of the victim.

Christina Potter speaks for her daughter who cannot.

"I just wish she was here so she can tell everybody," Potter said.

Six-year-old Alexis Morris died in 2009, but her brother and two stepsisters lived to tell their story. The children each testified against Jennifer Jimenez, who is accused of beating choking and force feeding her two stepchildren.

Inside the Pottawatomie County Courtroom, the children described to the court what happened the day Alexis Morris died back in 2009.

One child explained Alexis was screaming as Jimenez "held Alexis by her ankles" and "threw her head against the floor."

The children explained Alexis was "bleeding from her nose" before she stopped breathing.

The children also testified Jimenez told them to "make up a story" about what happened to Alexis, and also threatened the children not to tell.

Alexis' biological mother also has a civil suit against DHS. More than dozen referrals were made to the agency before Alexis' death.

1/3/2012 Related Story: Mother Says DHS Ignored Complaints Of Abuse Made Before Child's Death