Handicapped Girl Drugged To Death By Mother, Prosecutor Says

LEBANON, Ind. -- A Lebanon woman accused of killing her handicapped 14-year-old daughter pleaded not guilty on Friday, telling reporters outside court that the murder charge was "crap."

A grand jury indicted Elizabeth Fairfield, 38, Wednesday evening.

Fairfield's daughter, Brittany, who had Down syndrome, was found unresponsive at the family's home in the 1900 block of North Lebanon Street when police responded to a 911 call on June 14, 2007.

In court Friday it was revealed that the girl had died of a drug overdose, according to the coroner's report. The Boone County prosecutor would not give any more information as to what kind of drug was involved.

Fairfield's neighbors said that they were shocked by the arrest. One woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, told 6News' Derrik Thomas that she had tried to comfort the family when the girl died.

"I took the pie over and she thanked me. It was pecan pie. Her husband said, 'That's my favorite kind of pie,' and they thanked me," the woman said. "I wasn't invited in. I've never talked to them over the fence or anything."

Fairfield's attorney, Thomas Farlow, said he is confident his client will be found not guilty. Fairfield is being held without bond at the Boone County Jail.