Court Appearance For Accused Child Killer

New Baltimore (WWJ) - A New Haven woman appeared in court Wednesday afternoon, accused of sexually assaulting and murdering her 2-year-old step-daughter last November.

Nearly 100 child abuse advocates were in the courtroom to watch proceedings.

Lauren Furneaux, the mother of the victim, testified how she brought the little girl to her father November 20th. That's the last time she saw her daughter alive.

Renee Marie King is accused of killing Lilly Furneaux-Wolfenbarger a short time later that day.

King, 29, wiped away tears as she heard testimony from Macomb County Medical Examiner Daniel Spitz.

He testified that Lilly suffered at least 20 areas of impact on her head and vaginal tearing. He ruled the death a homicide.

King's defense attorney, however, suggested that the injuries could have come in a fall.

Lynette Furneaux, Lilly's grandmother, says this has been an ordeal for the whole family.

"It's very heart wrenching. To hear things, it's extremely hard. And to go through this, and I know it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better," said Lynette.

Chico Furneaux, Lilly's grandfather, says the family is still grieving.

"It's tough because she doesn't know how to fix it. You know dads are supposed to be able to fix it, and what do I do? She's the perfect mom, she did everything with her," said Chico.

The preliminary hearing continues Thursday.