Crooks Seeking To Move Trial Out Of County

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Staff Report-

Kristina Crooks can no longer receive a fair trial in Kosciusko County.

That's the sentiment of a motion filed in Kosciusko County Circuit Court recently.

Crooks, 7280 N. Blacks Trailer Court, North Webster, faces felony charges of reckless homicide and neglect of a dependent. The charges stem from the Jan. 24 death of Lois Marie Ozenbaugh.

The 11-month-old child ingested six cigarettes, vomited and choked on her stomach's contents, according to autopsy reports. Toxicology reports revealed Valium was found in the girl's bloodstream.

In an early March press conference, Kolbe said the child's body also showed signs of physical abuse. Bruises were allegedly found on the child's legs, back and torso area.

In an interview with investigators, Crooks allegedly admitted to seeing the child eat cigarettes the day before she died, Kolbe said.

Ozenbaugh and Crooks were due in court for a custody hearing the day the child died.

Judge Rex Reed will hear arguments at 3 p.m. Monday from a defense team seeking to move the trial out of the county and lower Crooks' $100,000 bond. [[In-content Ad]]

Kristina Crooks can no longer receive a fair trial in Kosciusko County.

That's the sentiment of a motion filed in Kosciusko County Circuit Court recently.

Crooks, 7280 N. Blacks Trailer Court, North Webster, faces felony charges of reckless homicide and neglect of a dependent. The charges stem from the Jan. 24 death of Lois Marie Ozenbaugh.

The 11-month-old child ingested six cigarettes, vomited and choked on her stomach's contents, according to autopsy reports. Toxicology reports revealed Valium was found in the girl's bloodstream.

In an early March press conference, Kolbe said the child's body also showed signs of physical abuse. Bruises were allegedly found on the child's legs, back and torso area.

In an interview with investigators, Crooks allegedly admitted to seeing the child eat cigarettes the day before she died, Kolbe said.

Ozenbaugh and Crooks were due in court for a custody hearing the day the child died.

Judge Rex Reed will hear arguments at 3 p.m. Monday from a defense team seeking to move the trial out of the county and lower Crooks' $100,000 bond. [[In-content Ad]]

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