Testimony begins in Cumberbatch trial

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Jurors on Tuesday heard videotaped testimony from the children of former foster mother Lena Cumberbatch.

The courtroom was closed off while jurors viewed the testimony of Lena Cumberbatch's four biological children. While there are many people in Jacksonville watching this trial unfold, Lena's mother cannot be. Rose Claytor lives out of state and is too sick to travel but First Coast News Anchor Darryl Tardy spoke to her about her daughter and what happened inside her home.

Claytor's daughter is on trial for allegedly drowning a foster child placed in her care. On July 18, 2001 prosecutors say Cumberbatch drowned 17-month-old Latiana Hamilton in a bathtub. Her mother says of the accusations, "Lena would never hurt that baby. This was a terrible accident that happened insider her home."

"The only thing Lena's guilty of is allowing her nine-year-old to go in there and bathe the baby. She should have supervised the bath herself. But Lena has not drowned any baby."

Prosecutors told jurors otherwise. They say Cumberbatch forced her own four children to abuse Latiana and three other foster kids placed in the home. Prosecutor Libby Senterfitt told jurors, "On the inside of that house there were malicious acts and even torture in order to control those children."

Defense Attorney Thomas Bell painted jurors a different picture, "She was just trying to help the system with fostering other kids with her kids. Nothing malicious was done in that home. None of those children were ever abused."

However, according to medical experts, Latiana Hamilton was severely abused. An autopsy on the infant showed two cracked ribs, a skull fracture, bite marks, and multiple bruises. Signs of abuse say prosecutors from a woman wanting to control a small child.

Lena's mother says of Latiana's death, "I'm sorry about Lati's death. God knows I am. My heart goes out to her mother and her family. But Lena did nothing to harm that baby."

Cumberbatch faces life in prison if convicted on charges of first-degree murder and child abuse.

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