The trial of Raelyn Balfour started in Charlottesville Circuit Court Wednesday. The jury selection has been completed in the trial of a woman accused of accidentally killing her own baby.
A jury of 6 women and 6 men must decide whether Raelyn Balfour was criminally negligent in the death of her son. Thirty-five-year-old Balfour is facing involuntary manslaughter charges. She was originally charged with second-degree murder and felony child neglect, but those charges were reduced in June.
Testimony shared Wednesday stated Balfour asked for forgiveness the night her son died. The prosecution has called nine witnesses to the stand, including rescue crews and first responders.
Police reports from the University of Virginia indicate 9-month-old Bryce Balfour was left in a car at UVA's Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School for eight hours in March. Police say the mother, Raelyn Balfour, discovered him.
The 911 tape was played Wednesday. Balfour can be heard in hysterics in the background of that call.
When the police arrived on scene Balfour was with her son, but he wasn't breathing. The medical examiner says Bryce's body temperature got too high and he died of hyperthermia.
There were a lot of tears in the courtroom Wednesday. Balfour sobbed during the playback of the 911 tape and many jurors seemed to be having a hard time listening as well.
If found guilty, Balfour could face up to 10 years in prison on the involuntary manslaughter charges. The trial is expected to last three days.
Reported by David Douglas
