Parents Charged in Newborn's Starvation Death as Trial Begins

Brandon Copeland, 25, and Elizabeth Reneedawn Ucman, 26, accused of murder in death of 3-month-old daughter Delilah

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:31pm

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A City Heights couple failed to properly care for their 3-month-old daughter Delilah, leading to the infant's starvation death, according to prosecutors. The defense argues the defendants had mental health issues that left them incapable of caring for a child or themselves.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges faced by young, mentally ill parents and the need for greater support systems to prevent such tragic outcomes. It also raises questions about the role of social services and whether more could have been done to intervene and protect the child.

The details

Prosecutors say the baby weighed only 3.65 pounds at death, less than half her birth weight, and no underlying medical conditions were found. The couple allegedly discussed fleeing if they made bail, and Copeland is said to have admitted, "Technically, what we did was murder." The defense argues the couple came from troubled backgrounds, were overwhelmed, and made genuine but insufficient efforts to care for the child.

  • On Nov. 9, 2021, the child was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
  • Brandon Copeland, 25, and Elizabeth Reneedawn Ucman, 26, were arrested in late 2021 shortly after police were called to their City Heights apartment.

The players

Brandon Copeland

A 25-year-old defendant charged with murder in the death of his 3-month-old daughter Delilah.

Elizabeth Reneedawn Ucman

A 26-year-old defendant charged with murder in the death of her 3-month-old daughter Delilah.

Franciesca Balerio

The deputy district attorney prosecuting the case.

Courtney Cutter

The attorney representing defendant Brandon Copeland.

Anthony Parker

The attorney representing defendant Elizabeth Reneedawn Ucman.

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What they’re saying

“We're guilty as (expletive.) We neglected her.”

— Brandon Copeland

“Technically, what we did was murder.”

— Brandon Copeland

“These two young people were completely overwhelmed, that they were functioning at the level of children themselves.”

— Courtney Cutter, Copeland's attorney

“Elizabeth loved her daughter but suffered from postpartum depression, which interfered with her ability to recognize 'how close to death Delilah was'.”

— Anthony Parker, Ucman's attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the defendants to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the critical need for greater mental health support and resources for young, vulnerable parents to prevent such devastating outcomes. It also raises questions about the role of social services in intervening early to protect children in high-risk situations.