Trial Reset to August for Hiawatha Woman Accused in Toddler's Death

By Trish Mehaffey, Reporter

Zyriah Schlitter (left), and Amy Jo Parmer (right).

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jan 10, 2013 at 8:35 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 10, 2013 at 8:35 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The trial for a woman accused of killing a 17-month-old-toddler in 2010 was reset to Aug. 19, in Linn County District Court.

Amy Jo Parmer, 29, of Hiawatha, charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment resulting in death, is the second defendant charged in the death of her ex-boyfriend's daughter Kamryn Schlitter. Kamryn's father Zyriah Schlitter, 25, of Cedar Rapids, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment resulting in death last month following a two week trial.

Parmer's trial was set to start next week but she requested a continuance because two medical experts were added to the list of witnesses following Schlitter's trial. Most of the medical witnesses testifying in Schlitter's trial will also testify in Parmer's.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks also filed a motion to continue because one of his expert witnesses wasn't available this month.

Attorneys met with the judge Thursday to come up with the new trial date and set other filing deadlines.

Kamryn Schlitter died of blunt force head injuries March 28, 2010, according to trial testimony. Medical experts testified that Kamryn wouldn't have recovered from the severe head trauma that was caused by a shaking or slamming. Several doctors also said the injuries likely occurred within hours or days of the 911 call Parmer made March 22, 2010, saying Kamryn needed medical help.

The prosecution's theory is that Schlitter and Parmer both inflicted Kamryn's physical abuse or each knew of the other's abuse and did nothing to stop it the last month of her life, while Schlitter had sole custody of the child.

Schlitter faces up to 55 years in prison. He was originally charged with first-degree murder but the jury convicted him of the lesser charge and child endangerment resulting in death. His sentencing is set Feb. 15.