WESTON, W.Va. — Jury selection is scheduled to begin Thursday morning in Weston for the woman who allegedly killed her three-year-old daughter in 2011 touching off a nationwide search for the girl.
Lena Lunsford-Conaway allegedly killed Aliayah Lunsford. She’s charged with numerous felony charges, including murder of a child by a parent, guardian, or custodian, or other person, by refusal or failure to provide necessities. Her daughter was then the subject of a five-year search for answers before Lunsford-Conaway was charged in November 2016. She was arrested in Florida.
Investigators believe Lunsford-Conaway hit Aliayah with a blunt object during the morning hours of September 24, 2011 at their Bendale home near Weston. Investigators allege she failed to provide the necessary medical attention to Aliayah. Lunsford is presumed dead, but no remains have been recovered.
Lunsford-Conaway is also charged with one count of death of a child by parent, guardian, or custodian, or other person, by child abuse; one count of child abuse resulting in injury; and one count of concealment of a deceased human body.
The defense has tried numerous times during the pretrial phase to hire a jury consultant in hopes of proving they need a change of venue but those attempts have been denied.
Opening statements are currently scheduled to begin Monday.