https://ktla.com/news/local-news/sou...-old-daughter/


A South Los Angeles woman is facing murder and torture charges in the killing of her 4-year-old daughter, the L.A. County District Attorney?s Office announced Friday.

Akira Smith, 34, allegedly beat her daughter, Eternity, to death at their South L.A. home, according to prosecutors. In a news release, the DA?s office said the killing was ?on or about? Tuesday.

The child died after being taken to a nearby hospital, prosecutors said.

On Wednesday, police said Akira was arrested after her daughter arrived to a Los Angeles-area hospital by ambulance around 5:50 p.m. the night before. The girl was pronounced dead within two hours of arriving, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

LAPD said hospital staff deemed Eternity?s death suspicious, leading to a response from officers with the 77th Street police station and an investigation by the agency? Abused Child Section.

Authorities did not provide a motive behind the killing.

Smith faces one count each of murder, torture and assault on a child causing death, and she was scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment Friday.

Three of Smith?s other children were taken into the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services following Eternity?s death, LAPD said.

According to prosecutors, Smith was convicted in 2014 for injuring a spouse, cohabitant, fianc? or boyfriend, and she has a 2016 conviction for assault with a deadly weapon.

Smith still has to appear before a judge, but prosecutors are asking her bail to be set at $3,050,000.

The DA?s office said she could face up to 62 years to life in state prison if convicted of all charges.

The Los Angeles Police Department?s Juvenile Division continues to investigate the case.