A Johnstown woman accused of abusing and killing her 14-month-old daughter earlier this year will soon head to trial.
Veronica Lewis appeared in Cambria County court Friday morning for a preliminary hearing where her charges were bound over.
Lewis was charged in May with criminal homicide, aggravated assault and child endangerment for her role in the death of 14-month-old Gianna Rice-Lewis.
In early April, authorities were dispatched to a home along Grove Ave. where they found the toddler unresponsive.
According to an affidavit, police say Lewis allegedly abused the girl because "she would not stop crying."
The toddler was transported to Conemaugh Hospital, where she later passed away.
Police say Lewis was not present at the home at the time of the 911 call in April and that she never showed up at the hospital, which witnesses also corroborated during Friday's hearing.
Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees later ruled that the toddler died as a result of "massive blood loss due to blunt force trauma from abuse."
On Friday, a forensic pathologist testified that the toddler had suffered multiple "ruptures" caused by repeated abuse, and stated that if she would have received medical attention sooner, she may have survived.
Lewis' next court date is scheduled for mid-September but a trial date has not yet been set.