Mother Charged In Death Of Brooklyn Toddler

MYFOXNY.COM - The mother of a toddler who was found dead in her bed on Thursday has been charged in the child's death.

The mother was charged with second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a child.

She has also been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal uses of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana after they were recovered from her apartment.

Sources told Fox 5 News that Carlotta Pierce had been investigated in the past for child neglect. The results of those investigations are private.

The girl was found in her mother's bed. But nearby police found a small bed with twine and jump rope tied to two corners. The girl had marks on her ankles, prompting detectives to suspect that she had been tied to the bed, the AP reported.

The city medical examiner's office says further tests are needed to determine the cause of death of a 4-year-old found in her mother's bed.

Spokeswoman Ellen Borakove says the initial autopsy for Marchella Pierce Friday was inconclusive.

The 4-year-old had been born with undersized lungs, had serious trouble breathing and had a breathing tube placed in her throat. She was found Thursday morning on her mother's bed.

Police say Carolotta Pierce called 911 after checking on the girl and finding her cold and unconscious. She tried to resuscitate Marchella, but was not successful.

The girl's mother was being questioned by police but has not been charged. The girl's father says the mother would never harm her children.

Administration for Child Services spokesperson, Laura Postiglione, released the following statement:

"ACS assumed responsibility for this case when the preventive agency responsibility ended. Workers visited the family throughout the summer. ACS is continuing a full investigation of the case. We will work with the other children from the family as they adjust to their new foster family."