California Parents Recorded Admitting Guilt in Starvation Death of 3-Month-Old Infant, Prosecutors Say
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA — Prosecutors have revealed disturbing new details in the murder trial of a California couple accused of starving their 3-month-old daughter to death, including recorded conversations in which the parents allegedly admitted responsibility for the infant’s prolonged suffering and death.
Infant’s Death Described as Prolonged Starvation
During opening statements last week, prosecutors said Brandon Copeland, 25, and Elizabeth Reneedawn Ucman, 26, are each charged with first-degree murder in the death of their daughter, Delilah Ucman, who died in late 2021.
Deputy District Attorney Francesca Ballerio told jurors the baby was born healthy and only died because she was systematically starved and neglected after being returned to her parents’ care. Prosecutors said Delilah’s body showed signs of prolonged severe malnutrition, noting she weighed just 3.65 pounds at the time of her death—less than half her birth weight.
Emergency Call Led Police to Unresponsive Infant
According to testimony, officers with the San Diego Police Department responded around 11:15 p.m. on Nov. 9, 2021, to a residence in the 3300 block of Maple Street in the Colina del Sol neighborhood after a report of an unresponsive infant.
First responders found the baby not breathing and attempted CPR before paramedics rushed her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Child Previously Removed, Then Returned to Parents
Prosecutors told jurors that shortly after Delilah was born, child welfare officials removed her from the home, citing unsafe living conditions and concerns about the parents’ ability to care for a newborn. Emergency custody was initially granted to a relative.
Despite warnings from multiple family members about substance abuse and mental health issues, Delilah was returned to her parents’ custody approximately one month later.
Recorded Conversation Allegedly Shows Admission of Guilt
Jurors were shown a transcript of a recorded post-arrest conversation between Ucman and Copeland, in which prosecutors say the couple discussed their role in the baby’s death.
According to the transcript, Copeland allegedly told Ucman, “We’re guilty as s—. We neglected her. I mean, technically, what we did was murder.”
When Ucman reportedly said she was scared, Copeland allegedly replied, “Oh well, how do you think Delilah felt?”
Prosecutors cited the exchange as direct evidence that the parents understood the consequences of their actions.
Defense Points to Mental Health and Trauma
Defense attorneys argued that while the outcome was tragic, the parents were not acting with malice. Copeland’s attorney said both defendants were severely abused as children and suffered from mental health conditions that left them incapable of caring for an infant.
Ucman’s attorney argued she loved her daughter but was overwhelmed by postpartum depression, leaving her unable to properly function or seek help.
Prosecutors countered that regardless of background or mental health struggles, the baby’s extended starvation and rapid decline showed a pattern of neglect that directly led to her death.
Parents Remain in Custody as Trial Continues
Ucman and Copeland have remained in custody since their arrests in November 2021. The trial is ongoing, with jurors expected to hear additional medical testimony, expert analysis, and family witness accounts in the coming weeks.
Readers can follow further developments in this case and share their thoughts on child welfare accountability at CabarrusWeekly.com, where we continue to report on major criminal cases with national significance.
