Child Death Investigation NR10125gb

March 16, 2010

*UPDATE*
The investigation is complete for the murder of Viola V.  Multiple counts have been filed against both the foster mother, Kiana Barker, and her boyfriend, James Dewitt Julian. On Thursday, March 4, 2010, the child was found unresponsive at home.  She was transported to a local hospital by paramedics where she was pronounced dead.  The child was observed to have unexplained injuries, and Juvenile Division Detectives assumed investigative responsibility for this case.  The child’s foster mother and her boyfriend were originally detained, but subsequently released pending further investigation.Arrest warrants were later issued, and Kiana Barker was arrested on July 15, 2010, for multiple counts including Dissuading a Witness, Child Abuse, and Murder.  Bail for Kiana Barker was set at $1.1 million.  James Julian voluntarily surrendered himself on July 17, 2010, for his warrant on charges of Dissuading a Witness and Accessory to Murder.  Bail for James Julian was set at $1.6 million.  The related court process is underway.   

Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Juvenile Division is investigating the death of a 2 ½-year-old child from the 100 Block of East Gage Avenue in South Los Angeles.
On Thursday, March 4, 2010, the child was found unresponsive at home.  She was transported to a local hospital by paramedics where she was pronounced dead.  The child suffered unexplained injuries, and Juvenile Division detectives assumed investigative responsibility for this case.
The child’s mother and her boyfriend were arrested, but subsequently released pending further investigation.  The District Attorney’s Office has reviewed the case, and further investigation is being conducted.  There is no further information available at this time, and no other releases will be forthcoming unless criminal charges are filed. 
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact LAPD Juvenile Division detectives at 213-486-0580.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at (800)-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone numbers 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a mobile telephone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompt.