A federal judge refused to dismiss charges against a woman who is accused of murdering an 11-month-old boy on the Rocky Boy's Reservation in Montana.

Cecilia Gardipee is charged with second-degree murder and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Federal authorities say she severely beat Kaidynce Small to death last October.

Judge Brian Morris criticized federal prosecutors for their slow response in providing an autopsy report. But he said there were no grounds to dismiss the case against Gardipee.

The boy's father, Garrett “Kirby” LaFromboise, was also indicted for murder. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and is expected to testify against Gardipee, who is described as his girlfriend.

Get the Story:
Federal Judge declines to dismiss murder case in Rocky Boy infant death (The Great Falls Tribune 4/3)
Gardipee's motion to dismiss charges denied (The Havre Daily News 4/3)

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Trial set for death of murder of boy on Rocky Boy's Reservation (2/28)