Woman pleads not guilty in toddler scalding death

CLEVELAND (AP) — A Cleveland woman has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder in the death of her 2-year-old daughter, who police say was scalded in hot water after she soiled bed sheets.

Tyesha Hamilton, 29, entered the plea today, and a judge continued her $1 million bond. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Tuesday on the charges, which also include felonious assault and child endangering.

Hamilton’s daughter, Alexandria, was found unresponsive by paramedics at an apartment with her mother last month.

County officials say Hamilton, who has three other children, lost custody of them in 2007 because she neglected them while struggling with drug addiction.

Defense attorney Lawrence Floyd declined comment after her court appearance.