Lawyers for Salem mom accused of killing son seek experts for trial

March 19, 2011 - By DEANNE JOHNSON   LISBON - Attorneys for Miranda Todd, 23, the Salem woman charged in the death of her 7-month-old son, filed two motions Thursday morning. The first was for the court to appropriate money for experts to review the evidence in the case. Defense attorney Jennifer Gorby asked for money for both a defense investigator and for a medical expert. The medical expert would be charged with reviewing both the medical records and autopsy from the death of Derek Dennison. The boy died on July 23. Salem police were called to the emergency room at Salem Community Hospital when medical officials reported the deceased infant had "multiple bruises and swelling to his head," according to an affidavit by Detective Dave Talbert. Todd had taken him to the emergency room in an unresponsive state from the residence where she lived at the time on Ellsworth Avenue in Salem. Talbert also said an autopsy "revealed numerous injuries including skull and rib fractures," with it appearing that some injuries happened over time. Todd faces charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter and endangering children in connection with the death of her son. If convicted of all three charges, Todd could be facing between 30 years and life in prison. The second motion filed Thursday was for a reduced bond. Todd has remained in jail on a $250,000 cash or surety bond since her arrest in December. Her attorneys argued she is a lifelong resident of Columbiana County and Salem with family in the area and no criminal history. They asked for a personal recognizance bond with electronic monitoring. However, prosecuting attorney Tim McNicol argued Todd is unemployed, moved four times during the investigation, has two children in the area she does not have custody of and has a father in Oklahoma. Judge Scott Washam said he would take the motions under advisement. djohnson@mojonews.com