CHANDLER, Okla. (AP) -- The judge for returning 2-year-old Kelsey Smith-Briggs of Meeker to the custody of her mother four months before the child dies plans to speak publicly about the case Thursday.<br/><br/>Former
Wednesday, June 20th 2007, 7:53 pm
By: News On 6
CHANDLER, Okla. (AP) -- The judge for returning 2-year-old Kelsey Smith-Briggs of Meeker to the custody of her mother four months before the child dies plans to speak publicly about the case Thursday.
Former judge Craig Key is scheduled to address reporters on the lawn of the Lincoln County Courthouse in Chandler.
His news conference will be on the same day that a book he has written about the case will be released.
In June 2005, Key ruled that Kelsey should be placed back at home with her mother and stepfather, despite Department of Human Services recommendations to the contrary. Kelsey died that October.
Her stepfather, Michael Porter, is serving a 30-year prison term after pleading guilty to one count of enabling child abuse. He originally was charged with murder in the case.
Kelsey's mother, Rae Dawn Smith, faces charges of child neglect and enabling child abuse. Her trial is set for July 9th.