MARION, Ill. (WSIL) -- The suspect in the stabbing death of a young girl in Marion pleaded not guilty Wednesday.
Julia Bevely pleaded not guilty during a preliminary hearing in Williamson County.
During the hearing, prosecutors called one witness to detail the last moments of the young girl's life.
Williamson County Sheriff's department Detective Cindy Geittmann said the victim was stabbed more than 20 times and was found in the bathtub, with the water still running. Jade Marie Beasley, 11, had defensive wounds on her hands, arms, face, Geittmann said before pausing, "all over."
The cause of death was found to be homicide.
Detective Geittmann said Bevely had lacerations on the backside of her hands, and bite marks on her forearm. The DNA found from a swab of the bite marks, connected back to the victim.
The detective went on to say that the lacerations on Bevely's hands were such, "as if she was holding the knife."
The discovery of a murder weapon was never mentioned during Wednesday's hearing. Authorities conducted an on December 14 and in court Wednesday said nothing was discovered.
The defense did not call any witnesses. The detective was questioned on the time of police arrival from the time the 911 call was placed, which she said was quick, before the ambulance arrived.
The defense also asked if a local dentist called to take impressions of the bite marks had forensic training or ever testified as an expert witness before, the detective could not confirm.
The judge sustained an objection by the defense on re-direct when the State asked the detective about the nature of blood found in Bevely's vehicle. Test results of the blood confirmed DNA to include Julia; excluded Beasley.
When no other witnesses were called, the judge found probable cause to proceed to trial.
Bevely requested a trial by jury and is scheduled to be back in court on January 25, 2021 at 1:15 p.m.
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