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In Syracuse, New York, Latasha Mott, accused of murdering her five-year-old daughter, Nefertiti "Neffy" Harris, is set to go on trial on January 20. Prosecutors allege that Mott beat Neffy to death with a belt in the shower on January 6, 2024, and then buried her in a shallow grave behind an apartment complex on Salt Springs Road. Mott has rejected a plea deal that would have sentenced her to 23 years to life for second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. If convicted at trial, she faces 25 years to life in prison.
Mott's defense team initially planned to argue that her former boyfriend, Corrice Parks, was responsible for Neffy's death. However, they have since changed their stance, admitting that Mott caused the child's death but did not intend to kill her. They are seeking to have the charges reduced to manslaughter, arguing that Mott's actions were more consistent with that charge. The court has yet to rule on this motion.
Prosecutors plan to call two of Mott's children to testify against her, detailing the events leading up to the murder. According to Syracuse.com, Mott's son, who was ten at the time, may testify about threats Mott allegedly made against him. The court has not yet decided if this testimony will be allowed.
Corrice Parks has pleaded guilty to helping Mott hide Neffy's body and hindering prosecution. He faces a sentence of 14 years for his involvement and unrelated charges. Parks is scheduled for sentencing on February 4.