Parents on Trial for Baby Delilah's Starvation Death

Prosecutors detail case against couple accused of murdering infant by neglect

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Openings statements were heard on Wednesday in the San Diego trial of two parents, Brandon Copeland and Elizabeth Ucman, accused of murdering their baby Delilah by starving her to death. Prosecutors allege the couple neglected the infant, leading to her death, while the defense argues the parents suffered from mental health issues and the system failed to properly intervene.

Why it matters

This case has sparked outrage over the apparent failures of the child welfare system to protect Delilah, despite multiple reports of concern from family members about the parents' ability to care for the infant. It raises questions about how such tragedies can be prevented and what reforms may be needed to the child welfare process.

The details

According to prosecutors, Delilah was born healthy but was neglected and starved to death by her parents. Photos showed the infant's emaciated state, with her abdominal organs visible, as a result of "prolonged severe malnutrition." The case file revealed that social workers had created a safety plan for Delilah, but she was returned to her parents a month later, against the pleas of family members who said the couple was unfit. Prosecutors also detailed recorded conversations between the parents after their arrest, in which they appeared to acknowledge their guilt.

  • Delilah was born in late 2021.
  • The last time Delilah was seen by a social worker was 55 days before her death on November 10, 2021.
  • The parents were taken into custody and recorded in conversation after Delilah's death.

The players

Brandon Copeland

One of the parents accused of murdering their baby Delilah by neglect. His defense attorney painted him as the product of an abusive and traumatic childhood.

Elizabeth Ucman

The other parent accused of murdering their baby Delilah by neglect. Her defense attorney argued she suffered from postpartum depression and the mental illness made her unable to see the problems in their home.

Francesca Ballerio

The deputy district attorney prosecuting the case against the parents.

Courtney Cutter

The defense attorney representing Brandon Copeland.

Anthony Parker

The defense attorney representing Elizabeth Ucman.

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What they’re saying

“Even if we get a lawyer, we are guilty as [expletive]. We neglected her.”

— Brandon Copeland (Prosecutors)

“I mean, technically, what we did was murder.”

— Brandon Copeland (Prosecutors)

“I'm scared, babe.”

— Elizabeth Ucman (Prosecutors)

“Oh well. How do you think Delilah felt?”

— Brandon Copeland (Prosecutors)

“There might be some criminality, but you need to look at the whole picture. The government only wants you to see the outcome and see it as malicious. Nobody wanted her to die. Everybody failed her.”

— Courtney Cutter, Copeland's Defense Attorney (Defense)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Brandon Copeland out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights systemic failures in the child welfare system, with multiple missed opportunities to intervene and protect baby Delilah despite concerns raised by family members. It underscores the need for reforms to ensure vulnerable children do not fall through the cracks, and that parents struggling with mental health and other issues receive the support they need.