Meridian mom pleads not guilty to killing her 2-month-old, has trial set for 2021
A Meridian woman accused of killing her 2-month-old son pleaded not guilty Monday morning.
Danielle Radue, 26, entered the plea to one count of first-degree murder. She appeared in court via video from the Ada County Jail, where she is being held in lieu of a $1 million bond.
Radue’s trial date was set for Jan. 5, 2021, in an Ada County courtroom. The trial is scheduled to take 10 days.
The 26-year-old is accused of killing her infant boy, Dawson McKinney, in May. Paramedics were called to a Meridian home on May 11 to take him to a hospital, and the child died on May 15. An autopsy found that the infant suffered a skull fracture and had multiple areas of hemorrhaging in the brain, prosecutor Kai Wittwer said during the Monday morning hearing.
After Radue pleaded not guilty Monday, her counsel again petitioned for a lower bond amount. Radue’s attorney, Edwina Elcox, requested the bond be lowered to $30,000.
Elcox said Radue has a spot secured at a local hospital for inpatient treatment for mental health issues. Elcox said the Ada County Jail does not have the capability to appropriately treat her client, and a lowered bond amount would ensure that Radue gets the help she needs.
Fourth District Judge Patrick Miller ultimately ruled to keep the bond amount set at $1 million, saying that even though Radue shows little risk of flight, the “overwhelming factor” is the murder charge itself.
If convicted, Radue could face up to life in prison or a possible death penalty, according to Idaho law. Prosecutors have yet to announce whether or not they will pursue the death penalty.
Radue’s next court appearance is scheduled to take place on Oct. 26 — a status conference prior to her trial.
