Judge Denies Acquittal in Florida Foster Child Trial

MIAMI (AP) _ A judge has denied a defense motion to acquit a South Florida woman accused of killing 4-year-old foster child Rilya Wilson over a decade ago.

Circuit Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez ruled Wednesday there was sufficient evidence for a jury to decide the fate of 66-year-old Geralyn Graham.

Defense attorneys had argued that there’s no direct evidence that Rilya is dead because no remains were recovered and there’s little other forensic or eyewitness evidence.

Rilya disappeared in late 2000 but state officials did not find out for some 15 months.

The state’s case hinges on testimony of three jailhouse snitches who say Graham confessed to them behind bars.

The defense began its case Wednesday after the prosecution rested following five weeks of testimony.

Graham faces life in prison if convicted.