Couple to stand trial after deaths of toddlers
ALIQUIPPA – A Pennsylvania man was ordered to stand trial on involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of his toddler daughters who were pinned under a falling dresser.
David Beatty will also stand trial on child endangerment charges with his wife, Jennifer. The Aliquippa couple, who are both 28, face those charges for allegedly keeping a filthy home.
Defense attorney Kevin Kindred argued the deaths were accidental, and the home’s condition was being unfairly linked to the deaths.
But a district judge ordered the couple to trial Thursday.
An autopsy doctor testified 2-year-old Brooklyn Beatty and 3-year-old sister, Ryeley, could have been saved had David Beatty helped them immediately after hearing the furniture crash July 4. But Beaver County prosecutors say Beatty was going to the bathroom and waited at least 10 minutes.