US couple accused in death of adopted daughter

MOUNT VERNON — A jury resumes deliberations Monday in the trial of a US couple accused of homicide by abuse in the death of their 13-year-old daughter who was adopted from Ethiopia.

Larry and Carri Williams also are charged with manslaughter in the death of Hana Williams in the backyard of the family home in May 2011. The girl died of hypothermia and malnutrition.

Prospectors say she was starved, beaten and forced outside as punishment.

Both also are charged with first-degree child assault for allegedly abusing their son, who also was adopted in 2008 from Ethiopia.

They have pleaded not guilty to all charges. Defense lawyers in Washington state told jurors that questionable parenting practices don’t necessarily amount to a crime.