MOUNT VERNON — A Sedro-Woolley couple denied food to a 13-year-old adopted daughter who died in May at home, Skagit County prosecutors said Thursday in filing homicide by abuse charges.
Larry and Carri Williams were arrested Thursday and jailed, with bail set at $500,000, the Skagit Valley Herald reported.
Hana Williams, who was adopted in 2008 from Ethiopia, lived in a closet, and some people who know Carri Williams said she regretted the adoption, court papers say.
The couple also was charged with first-degree child assault for allegations they abused Hana’s 10-year-old brother, who was adopted with her.
Early May 12, Carri Williams called 911 and reported Hana was not breathing, saying the girl had refused to come into the house. She was found face-down in the back yard with mud in her mouth. An autopsy found she died of hypothermia, but malnutrition and a stomach infection were contributing factors.
In July, the Williams’ remaining seven children were placed into foster homes.
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