Court briefs for November 18, 2004

Thursday, Nov. 18, 2004 | 11:11 a.m.

Man makes plea in child's death

A man accused of murder in the death of a 15-month-old baby entered a not-guilty plea to the charge on Wednesday.

Wayne Jackson, 21, allegedly caused the death of his girlfriend's infant son, Quin'Tavion Wells, at the couple's house in North Las Vegas near Cheyenne Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard in August.

The child died of a skull fracture caused by a blow to the head, authorities said at the time.

According to a police report, Jackson claimed he was swinging the child around in circles by the arms when the child slipped and flew into a curb.

Jackson's trial for murder is scheduled for May 16.

Botzet appears on more charges

The woman charged with killing her diabetic daughter by depriving her of insulin pleaded not guilty to additional charges this morning.

Cheryl Botzet, also known as Cheryl Musso, is charged with child abuse and neglect, acting with willful or wanton disregard for safety, and battery with a deadly weapon.

She is to be tried on the charges next month. She faces a separate charge of murder for the death of 11-year-old Ariel Botzet from ketoacidosis, caused by untreated diabetes, and that trial is scheduled for March.

District Judge Valorie Vega did not add additional bail for the new charges. Cheryl Botzet posted $35,000 bail in September.

Five years given in fatal shooting

A man who fatally shot his cousin could serve as little as two years in prison, but the prosecutor who negotiated the young man's plea-bargain defended the sentence on Wednesday.

Ralph Medina III, 19, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the Aug. 10 death of 25-year-old Michael Lopez. On Tuesday, District Judge Donald Mosley sentenced him to five years' prison time, with parole possible after two years.

Medina was originally charged with murder, but Chief Deputy District Attorney Frank Ponticello said the charges were reduced after an investigation revealed the circumstances of the shooting.

The two cousins were arguing when Medina pointed the gun at Lopez, but he didn't intend to shoot, Ponticello said. Lopez may have swatted the gun barrel, causing it to go off, Ponticello said.

"Certainly this case was tragic, but we believe there was no premeditation," he said.

Ponticello said Medina's age, his relationship with Lopez and the feelings of the family were also considered in determining the proposed sentence.