Security tight for trial over Alabama girl's running death
GADSDEN, Ala. - Security is tight for opening statements in the capital murder trial of an Alabama woman accused of making her granddaughter run until she died.
Etowah County deputies were using a metal detector to screen anyone entering court Monday for the trial of 49-year-old Joyce Hardin Garrard.
No cellphones are allowed in court, and relatives of the woman have designated seating behind the defense table.
Prosecutors say Garrard forced 9-year-old Savannah Hardin to run for hours as punishment for a lie about eating candy three years ago. The girl eventually collapsed and died in a hospital.
The defense says Garrard is innocent and never intended to do anything to harm the girl.
Opening statements are expected Monday. Attorneys are marking evidence, and the judge is giving final instructors to jurors.