Woman accused of 1st-degree manslaughter, child abuse pleaded not guilty

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - A woman accused of child abuse and first-degree manslaughter pleaded not guilty at her arraignment hearing in court Monday.

Naomia Prairie is charged with first-degree manslaughter by means of a dangerous weapon of a minor age 7 or older. She’s also charged with a second count of abuse or cruelty. Both of these crimes were believed to have occurred between December 2023 and March 3, 2024.

The child victim in the case was also said to have a disability.

If convicted on the manslaughter charge, Prairie could face up to life in prison and a $100,000 fine. If convicted on the child abuse charge she could face an additional 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Judge Joshua Hendrickson set a status hearing for April 29.

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