Alysia Adams: Death penalty sought for caretaker as 4-year-old kept in closet for days dies of starvation

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OKLAHOMA, UNITED STATES: On Tuesday, prosecutors filed to seek the death penalty against Oklahoma caretaker Alysia Adams for the alleged murder of 4-year-old Athena Brownfield, who was entrusted to her care by the child's mother, Jasmin Brownfield as per Law&Crime. 

Notably, Athena Brownfield tragically passed away on Christmas Day, 2022. The Oklahoma Medical Examiner determined that Brownfield died from illnesses and malnutrition, with no physical trauma, after she was found in a rural field near Rush Springs last January.

What did legal expert Ed Blau say regarding death penalty?

According to KOCO, Alysia Adams charged with murdering 4-year-old Athena Brownfield could face the death penalty, but experts say it's not a typical case.

According to legal expert Ed Blau, early in the case, prosecutors thought someone else was responsible for Brownfield's death because Adams claimed the child was beaten. However, the medical examiner's report showed that there is no physical trauma.

Alysia Adams, Brownfield's aunt and primary caregiver, may face the death penalty after the state filed documents pushing for capital punishment.

The medical examiner found that Brownfield weighed only 23 pounds when she died and was sick with acute pneumonia and COVID-19, along with being malnourished. Her death was ruled a homicide.

Now, a jury must determine beyond a reasonable doubt if Adams was responsible and if her role in Brownfield's death outweighs any factors in her life that could have led to this moment.

Blau explained that mitigating factors, such as growing up in poverty or having mental health issues, are often considered. Prosecutors rarely seek the death penalty against women, and it's even rarer for juries to impose it.

The case now rests with the jury, but Blau believes it won't be easy to convince them to give Adams the death penalty.

On the other hand, Adams' husband, Ivon Adams, faces child abuse charges, but the death penalty hasn't been pursued in his case.

Blau noted that in cases like this, co-defendants often testify against each other to avoid the death penalty. The couple is expected in court at the end of February.

What are charges placed against Alysia Adams and Ivon Adams?

Following the autopsy results, new charges claim that Alysia Adams is accused of 'putting Athena Brownfield in a closet and not giving her enough food'.

Besides the murder charge, prosecutors also charged Alysia Adams with obstructing an officer.

This charge comes from accusations that she lied to investigators, saying her husband had beaten Athena to death.

Alysia is also accused of child neglect regarding how she treated Athena’s older sister.

The investigation began when Athena's then-5-year-old sister was found wandering outside the Adams’ home on January 10, 2023, according to authorities.

Ivon Adams, initially charged with first-degree murder, now faces second-degree murder charges.

He is also accused of unlawfully moving a body and child neglect.

Jasmin Adina Kay Brownfield, Athena’s mother, was arrested in May 2023 for allegedly leaving her daughters with Alysia and Ivon Adams.