Mother of slain toddler Tyler Dasher pleads not guilty to murder in his death

(CBS/KMOV) - A suburban St. Louis mother accused of beating one-year-old son Tyler Dasher to death appeared in court Thursday morning.

Pictures: Missing toddler Tyler Dasher found dead

Shelby Dasher, 20, pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-degree murder, reports CBS affiliate KMOV.

After the judge determined Dasher did not have an attorney, she was told one would be appointed for her and referred to the public defender's office. Dasher appeared indifferent during her court appearance, KMOV reports.

Dasher's next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2012.

Hundreds gathered Wednesday night to mourn at the spot where the toddler's body was found Tuesday near a cemetery about a mile from his home, KMOV reports. The one-year-old was discovered only hours after his mother reported him missing.

Prosecutors say Dasher admitted to police that she beat the boy because he was crying and "wouldn't lay down, wouldn't go back to sleep."

According to local station KDSK, St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch says toddler died as a result of multiple blunt force trauma.

Dasher is currently being held on a $500,000 bond.

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