BENNETTSVILLE, SC (WMBF) - A Bennettsville woman who was arrested for homicide in 2011 after the death of her 3-year-old daughter pleaded guilty Friday to homicide by child abuse and unlawful neglect.
Atelia Hunt was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the death of Edna Hunt in October 2011. Edna Hunt's death was due to "unusual complications of a urinary tract infection, which was left untreated" as well as parent/guardian neglect and multiple inflicted traumas, according to the Marlborar County Coroner's office.
Atelia Hunt's boyfriend, Mike Huckabee, Jr., who was also arrested and charged, was also in court Friday. His trial begins June 17.
Hunt said she still holds Huckabee responsible for the abuse. She takes responsibility for the lack of action that caused the death of her child, and said Huckabee was very controlling. Hunt said she was working under fear and a controlling Huckabee. She had no previous criminal record.
Edna Hunt's grandfather (the father of the girl's biological father) took the stand and said that no matter what happens today, grief and hurt will go on.
In December 2011, the Marlboro County Coroner's Office officially ruled the death of a Bennettsville toddler as a homicide Friday morning after autopsy results were returned.
On Oct. 6, 2011 officers with the Bennettsville Police Department responded to the Marlboro Park Hospital upon Edna's death.
Lt. Larry Turner with the Bennettsville Police Department said Edna had been taken to the emergency room by her mother, Atelia Hunt, for an apparent cardiac arrest. Turner said she suffered from bruising along her body and burns were found in her genital area.
Atelia Hunt and her boyfriend, Mike Huckabee, Jr., were arrested and charged with homicide by child abuse in connection to Edna's death.
During a hearing on Nov. 3, both Hunt and Huckabee were denied bond and Judge Nettles asked Hunt why Edna's head was bald in pictures.
Hunt's attorney told WMBF News that Huckabee had shaved Edna's head without Hunt's consent.
Both remain incarcerated at the Marlboro County Detention Center.
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Edna Hunt (Source: Edna's family)
Atelia Hunt (Source: Marlboro County Detention Center)
Mike Huckabee, Jr. (Source: Bennettsville Police)
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