The state, which now has legal custody of the child, wants to terminate her life support, citing medical tests that show she will never recover.
Her stepfather has launched a legal battle to keep her alive.
But more than Haleigh's future hinges on the outcome. The stepfather, Jason Strickland, 32, is accused of taking part in a savage beating that left the girl in a vegetative state and dependent on life support.
And if she dies, he could be charged with murder.
Accused stepfather fights to keep girl alive
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Dr. Cyril Wecht, the Allegheny County coroner and frequent national talk-show guest who has been linked to many high-profile cases, is coming to Greensburg to promote his new book.
Wecht is the author, co-author or editor of nearly 40 books on forensic, scientific and legal topics.
This is his fifth book for the general public, and all of them are about famous or significant homicide investigations. Four are collections of cases, and one, "Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey?," is devoted entirely to the murder of the girl.
Wecht was a consultant for the Charles Manson murders, in the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, and in the O.J. Simpson trial.
"I think that (O.J.) did it, but with a second person," Wecht said.
He almost stepped in for several other famous cases. He was going to work with the prosecution in the investigation of the death of Mary Jo Kopechne, who was with Sen. Ted Kennedy when she drowned in his car, but the judge denied a request to exhume her body.
The parents of Terri Schiavo wanted him present at her autopsy, but the medical examiner in Florida denied the request, Wecht said.
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Ping
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It seems that from that account that so many things that should have been good turned bad for that little girl. She does have some good friends and neighbors stepping forward now; too bad it wasn't earlier.
"Relatives and family friends say they ask about Haleigh's condition daily. They say they are trying to raise money to help cover funeral costs and memorials, if and when they become necessary. John Gamelli, whose daughter once played with Haleigh, said he and some family members have set up a fund for her at the United Bank in Westfield.Ron Drewnowski, a seminarian at St. Mary's Parish, where the Stricklands attended church, helped organize a vigil in Haleigh's honor. He said he had visited her at the hospital about six weeks ago, and she was lying in the bed, surrounded by stuffed animals. Her eyes were closed. ''I still pray for her," he said."
All these nut jobs should just move to Florida because judges here will do whatever the estranged, controlling individual wishes.
The step father should be charged with attempted murder. If somebody else kills her, they should be charged with murder. Of course, that's not how our legal system works. Nobody is responsible for their own behavior any more.
Glad you pinged me to that article. I meant to read it a couple of days ago.
That little girl has had one messed up life. Who in her family can comfort her, and get her to respond? They're vermin. Well I'm going to say that they should keep the IV's and the feeding tube in, and disconnect the ventilator. It would be great if someone could be there encouraging her to fight, but it would have to be a teacher she knows, or a neighbor.
I don't know...
Prayers for Haleigh and all concerned.