Babysitter pleads not guilty in baby’s death

LANCASTER – A Palmdale woman pleaded not guilty Thursday to murder and other charges stemming from the death of a 5-month-old boy who was left in her care.

Brittany Ann Ingrassi, 30, is charged with one count each of murder, assault on a child causing death, assault on a child becoming comatose and child abuse of Aiden Lopez, along with allegations that Ingrassi personally inflicted great bodily injury and that the child was under 5.

The baby was left in Ingrassi’s care at a Lancaster home the morning of March 22, Deputy District Attorney Keri Knittel said in April.

The boy’s mother returned home that evening and was allegedly met by Ingrassi outside the home and was made aware that the baby was not breathing, the prosecutor said.

The boy’s mother called 911, and the baby was taken to a local hospital, where he died four days later.

Defense attorney Nancy Mazza contended in April that the baby had scratches that “could be consistent with a dog attack,”  while the prosecutor countered that there was “no evidence consistent with their theory,” according to an ABC7 report.

Ingrassi — who remains jailed in lieu of $1 million bail — is due back in a Lancaster courtroom Sept. 7 for a hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to require her to stand trial.

If convicted as charged, she could face up to 25 years to life in state prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Previous related stories:

Murder charge filed against babysitter accused of injuring baby in Lancaster

Infant dies after head trauma, babysitter in custody

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