Lawyers for Erica Lawson, 21, the Kentucky mother accused of killing her infant daughter, say "patently false" rumors are tainting the case.
Lawson is behind bars after prosecutors claim she abused her daughter Elena so severely that it resulted in the toddler's death.
She's currently facing a second-degree murder charge, failure to report child dependency neglect or abuse, first-degree criminal abuse, and first-degree wanton endangerment in connection with the death of the 17-month-old.
Commonwealth's Attorney Lisa Fugate is seeking the death penalty against Lawson, while the defense has asked the state to prove why her case qualifies as a death penalty case.
"I think that social media is an important element while discussing this case," Greg Coulson, one of Lawson's defense attorneys, told People.
"There's an incredible amount of social media views and hundreds of thousands of interactions that are patently false and contradicted by the evidence."
Furthermore, Lawson's defense attorneys are requesting a change of venue for the trial, citing threats and the public's increased interest in the case, adding that the false social media assertions are hindering any chance at a fair trial.
The defense addressed previous claims by Fugate, who said Elena was sexually abused, calling them false.
In a motion to dismiss the death penalty, Lawson's team stated there was "zero evidence that any person sexually abused the child," nor that any male DNA was found on Elena.
The Middlesboro Police Department arrested Lawson in 2023 after Elena died at a Tennessee hospital on July 30, 2023, due to her injuries.
Lawson is currently being held on a $1 million bond.
