Multi-county grand jury hears testimony in case of child killed

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A doctor who treated a 2-year-old girl who was later beaten to death has testified before a grand jury that's helping collect evidence in the case.<br/><br/>Doctor Kelli Koons

Thursday, February 23rd 2006, 10:35 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A doctor who treated a 2-year-old girl who was later beaten to death has testified before a grand jury that's helping collect evidence in the case.

Doctor Kelli Koons of Shawnee appeared before the grand jury as it takes testimony about the death of Kelsey Smith-Briggs of Meeker. The proceedings are held behind closed doors and testimony is not open to the public.

Koons has drawn criticism because she's the sister of the attorney hired by the girl's mother in an effort to regain custody. Kelsey died in October, four months after being returned to her mother.

The girl's stepfather -- Michael Porter -- is charged with first-degree murder in her death and her mother is still under investigation.

The grand jury is taking testimony to help prosecutors gather evidence in the case.