Polk County mother on trial for starving baby | Crime

BARTOW, Florida (AP) - The trial of a Lakeland woman accused in the starvation death of her infant daughter has started in Polk County.

The Ledger of Lakeland reports that 27-year-old Tivasha Logan is accused of not giving 5-month-old Chauntasia Gardner sufficient food and nourishment to sustain life.

She's accused of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and aggravated manslaughter of a child. If convicted, she could receive up to life in prison.

The baby's 29-year-old father Chauncey Gardner faces the same charges. His trial will be held later.

Jury selection continues Tuesday and testimony will likely begin this week.

The Lakeland couple was arrested in November 2009.

Deputies said the couple fed Chauntasia an improper ratio of baby formula mixed with water - about one-third the recommended amount of formula for each feeding.