Visalia woman takes stand in daughter's death

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The mother of a three-year-old girl beaten to death back in 2009, took the stand to defend the felony child abuse charges against her.

Prosecutors say Nicole Lee knew that her boyfriend, Ryann Jones, was abusing her daughter but did nothing to stop it. Jones was convicted of little Natalynn Miller's murder late last year.

Lee cried numerous times on the stand, telling the jury that she, Ryann and Natalynn were a loving family and that there was never any abuse.

Prosecutors say Lee came to Ryann Jones' defense after he was arrested for killing Natalynn.

Nicole Lee is facing ten years in prison if convicted of felony child endangerment and a drug possession charge.

Watch the video for extended coverage from Action News reporter Jessica Peres.