Parole board
tells Edwards she
killed baby by neglect

It rules that she must serve
longer than the minimum term

By Debra Barayuga
Star-Bulletin

Jennifer Edwards did the most "unnatural thing" as a mother by failing to seek medical care for her suffering 20-month old daughter, a parole board member said today.

"You killed this child by your neglect," said Lani Garcia. And because of that, "You will serve longer than 6 years and 8 months."

Edwards appeared before the Hawaii Paroling Authority today. The board will decide the minimum time Edwards must serve before she is eligible for parole. Edwards was convicted of manslaughter for killing her daughter Cedra Edwards in December 1997.

Edwards told the parole board that her boyfriend Mika Mika Jr. inflicted the fatal injuries that led to her daughter's death in December 1997. Her public defender, Ed Harada, said the jury found her guilty of failing to seek proper treatment for her daughter and didn't find her she actually caused the child's injuries.

But Garcia said Edwards insulted the intelligence of the board by denying she inflicted any injuries on her daughter.

"Even if your boyfriend did it, you should have stuck your body in front of your child," Garcia said, Edwards was convicted in August of manslaughter and sentenced 20 years in prison. Circuit Judge Marie Milks set a mandatory minimum of 6 years and 8 months, but the parole board can set it higher.