Biddle v. Commonwealth

206 Va. 14, 141 S.E.2d 710 (1965)

Facts

Biddle's (D) three-month-old baby died. Evidence showed that the baby had not been fed for several days prior to her death and had died from malnutrition and diseases contracted from a lack of care. There was food in D's house. D was harassed by her husband's accusations concerning the children, and the care she gave the child was dependent on her relations with her husband. Another child of D's was found in a similar condition of malnutrition and neglect. At trial, D testified that she had fed the baby but it would not take much food or milk. D was convicted of first-degree murder.