Published: February 29, 2008 09:35 am         

Texas woman accused of killing 3-year-old daughter

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — A woman faces a capital murder charge in the death of her 3-year-old daughter, who had a skull fracture and massive internal bleeding, police said.

Jaclyn Pennington, 24, of Decatur, was jailed Thursday on $1 million bond in Fort Worth after being taken into custody at her parents’ house in nearby Watauga, said Lt. Paul Henderson, a Fort Worth police spokesman.

About 5 a.m. on Feb. 17, about 36 hours after 3-year-old Taylor Rae Baker’s father dropped her off at Pennington’s house, the woman called 911 and said the child was vomiting and passing out, Henderson said. Taylor was taken to a Decatur hospital and then airlifted to a Fort Worth hospital, where she later died.

After the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, investigators had to determine whether the injuries occurred in Decatur or at the Fort Worth home of Taylor’s father, who had legal custody of the girl, Henderson said. Because of jurisdictional issues, the Texas Rangers became involved in the case.

Authorities were able to determine through forensic evidence and statements that Taylor had massive internal bleeding from blunt-force trauma that happened in Decatur, Henderson said. He declined to say how Taylor was injured, saying the investigation continues.

A jail official said Pennington had not yet indicated whether she had an attorney.

Officials said it’s too early to determine whether the death penalty will be sought in this case.

Pennington’s two other children have been placed in the custody of Child Protective Services, Henderson said.