Jury selection begins in Boone County baby death trial

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A group of 85 people was called to the Boone County Courthouse on Tuesday to potentially decide the fate of a woman charged in the death of a baby in 2023.

Sarah Brown is charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter, a felony, in connection with the death of a 3-month-old in Columbia in May 2023. Court documents accuse Brown of playing a role in the death of Ayla Gibson.

Brown allegedly put Gibson in a crib at her daycare in Columbia with a loose, unfitted blanket and pillow in a position that resulted in death by suffocation, court documents say. Documents also claim that the baby had a viral lung infection, and Brown ignored parent instructions to have her sleep on her back.

She's also accused of lying to police and saying she found the baby not breathing while lying on her back in the crib. Court documents also claim that Brown was running an unlicensed daycare and did not qualify for any exemptions.

Missouri law requires that anyone caring for more than six children be licensed. Brown allegedly had 12 children in her care.

Jury selection began on Tuesday morning in Brown's jury trial. Prosecutors and the defense are choosing from a panel of 85 people.

Brown faces three to 10 years in prison if found guilty.

The trial is expected to last four days.