Defense Believes Francis Lyles Should Be Screened for Postpartum Depression

Francis Lyles is competent to stand trial following a 24-hour forensic examination, but Judge Jennifer Anderson ordered Lyles to undergo additional treatment at a D.C. jail. “I can’t send you to St. Elizabeths Hospital because the jail found you competent, but you should seek follow up treatment,” Judge Anderson said in court Friday. Defense attorney, … Read more →

Francis Lyles Indicted in Fatal Beating of Toddler

Francis Lyles pleaded innocent Wednesday to two counts of first-degree felony murder, along with three counts of cruelty to children and obstruction of justice for the June 24 beating death of her 3-year-old son Xavier Lyles. The toddler was found in the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road Southeast unconscious and unresponsive, with multiple injuries. According … Read more →

Frances Lyles Recants Guilty Plea: “I didn’t hurt my baby!”

The courtroom was silent Friday in the moments before Frances Lyles was expected to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter and perjury. “Is this what happened?” Judge Jennifer Anderson asked Lyles after a prosecutor read the proffer of facts outlining the gruesome beating death of her 3-year-old son, Xavier. Minutes passed while Lyles struggled to speak. … Read more →

Francis Lyles Held in the Death of 3-Year-Old Son

Francis Lyles was ordered held Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children in connection to the death of Xavier Lyles. Police found the 3-year-old toddler unconscious and unresponsive in the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road Southeast, with multiple injuries to his body on June 24. Lyles told police that while … Read more →

Frances Lyles Arrested in the Death of 3-Year-Old Xavier Lyles

A 25-year-old Southeast D.C. woman was arrested Tuesday in connection with the June death of 3-year-old Xavier Lyles. The woman, identified by police as Frances Lyles, is suspected of first-degree felony murder. The toddler was found unconscious and unresponsive, with no signs consistent with life at approximately 11:07 a.m. on June 24, according to police. … Read more →

Francis Lyles

Suspected in the June 24, 2014 death of Xavier Lyles.