Mother testifies against ex-boyfriend in daughter’s death

The mother of an 18-month-old daughter who died in an Alpine mobile home testified Friday she believed her ex-boyfriend was responsible for her death.

Lillie Golden Brown, 22, of Alpine, testified as a prosecution witness against her ex-boyfriend, Wiliey Kevin Foster, Jr., 28, who is on trial for the murder of Leah Rose Brown-Meza.

Brown admitted to using methamphetamine in the past before her daughter died on Dec. 6, 2016 where the mobile home was parked in Alpine where Foster’s parents live.

The mother of an 18-month-old daughter who died in an Alpine mobile home testified Friday she believed her ex-boyfriend was responsible for her death.

Lillie Golden Brown, 22, of Alpine, testified as a prosecution witness against her ex-boyfriend, Wiliey Kevin Foster, Jr., 28, who is on trial for the murder of Leah Rose Brown-Meza.

Brown admitted to using methamphetamine in the past before her daughter died on Dec. 6, 2016 where the mobile home was parked in Alpine where Foster’s parents live.

She acknowledged having illegal drugs in her purse when she went to Campo while Foster was driving. She also confirmed she lied to sheriff’s deputies when she denied using drugs. She said she was afraid her baby would be taken away if she acknowledged drug use.

An unflattering video recording of Brown was played to the nine men, three-woman jury and El Cajon Superior Court Judge Robert Amador that depicted Brown’s arrest on Feb. 3–just a few weeks ago.

Brown was arrested for public drunkenness and misdemeanor battery to a man believed to be her new boyfriend in a new location where she had been moved to as part of a witness relocation program.

Deputy District Attorney Chantal Demauregne asked Brown if the DA’s office has since severed their agreement with her as a result of her recent conduct. Brown said yes.

Under questioning by the prosecutor, Brown acknowledged she received $12,491 in relocation services that included rent, phone, and miscellaneous costs. She no longer has that agreement.

The jury was told the witness relocation of Brown had nothing to do with Foster, whom she dated for six weeks before the girl’s death.

Foster’s attorney, Jan Ronis, said Brown did not check on the girl for 14 hours before she found her not breathing. She said she recalled waking up at 6 a.m. in the motor home and then throwing up.

Brown said she went back to sleep, and woke up at noon. She then checked her baby and found she wasn’t breathing.

She went to Foster’s parents house to tell them and
Foster dialed 911. Foster did not stay in the mobile home very often and lived in his parents’ home.

“I told them ‘My baby, my daughter’ was dead,” said Brown, who wept and clutched tissues as she recalled that day.

Brown has pleaded guilty to child endangerment and has been told she will receive up to one year in jail in May. She remains free on bond.

During the Feb. 3 arrest, Brown was recorded by an officer’s body camera and her spontaneous statements were played to the jury.

The victim’s biological father and his family members walked out of the courtroom after hearing it.

“He killed my baby! Why am I arrested He killed her!” said Brown on the tape. “I want my baby back!”

“I hope you never have kids,” said Brown to officers.

“We’re trying to help you,” said one officer as he put a chain around her feet to prevent her from kicking.

She used profanity to the officers, who were not questioning her at any time, during the ride to a sheriff’s station. “I hate you!” she said to officers.

“I could never do that to my baby. I could never hurt my baby,” said Brown on the tape even though no one was questioning her.

Brown looked downward while the tape was being played and did not make eye contact with anyone.
Under cross-examination with Ronis, Brown said she never saw Foster treat her daughter badly.

She said they both discovered earlier that Leah had a severe burn on her foot, apparently from a space heater. She said Foster placed Neosporin ointment on the foot and wrapped bandages around it.

Foster has pleaded not guilty and remains in jail on $2 million bail.

Preliminary hearing set in El Cajon murder case

A March 15 preliminary hearing has been set for Alaya Michelle Jenkins, 23, who is charged with murder in the Jan. 16 fatal stabbing of a woman at the El Cajon bus stop.

The two women apparently knew each other and the stabbing occurred Jan. 18 in the 100 block of West Madison Avenue around 3 p.m.

Jenkins has pleaded not guilty to murder in El Cajon Superior Court. She remains in jail without bail. She has also been charged with misdemeanor shoplifting.