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Murder Charges For Mom In Gaunt NYC Girl's Death

NEW YORK (AP) -- The mother of an emaciated 4-year-old girl who weighed less than 18 pounds has been indicted on charges of murder in the Brooklyn girl's death.

Carlotta Brett-Pierce had already been jailed on charges of assault, endangering the welfare of a child and drug possession.

Prosecutors said the indictment late Monday added charges of murder and manslaughter.

The city medical examiner's office has said that Marchella Pierce died September 2 of child abuse syndrome, including acute drug poisoning, blunt impact injuries, malnutrition and dehydration.

Brett-Pierce could face up to 25 years to life in prison. The lawyer who represented her previously did not return a call seeking comment.

(Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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