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Toddler's murder case hangs on mom's boyfriend

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It has been nearly two years since Mayouna Smith was found dead inside an Amherst apartment. Now 7 Eyewitness News has learned the case hangs on the mother's former live-in boyfriend. Police say they have no idea where he is.

Singing and smiling, 3-year-old Mayouna Smith's short life was simple. Her case, however, has become much more complex in the two years since she was killed.

"At this point, we are not willing to commit to the arrest of any persons of interest," Amherst Police Captain James McNamara said.

McNamara said there are two people of interest, including Mayouna's mother and her former live-in boyfriend Lamare. The former boyfriend still refuses to cooperate with police.

Police say that's hurting the case. In fact, the last time police say they spoke to Lamare was about a year ago.

"It would be extremely helpful if he would come forward," McNamara said.

All evidence has been collected McNamara says, except for a sworn statement from Lamare. 

According to a state fatality report, obtained by 7 Eyewitness News, Lamare, the "mother's partner",  is to blame for the sexual abuse Mayouna suffered and partially responsible for lacerations and internal injuries.

Still police say there isn't enough to make an arrest.

"I don't know what their evidence is that would indicate he is the perpetrator. Lamare needs to come forward and talk to us," McNamara said. 

Police say both Lamare and Mayouna's mother were the only two with the toddler when she died. Both deny any involvement in Mayouna's murder.

The fatality report explains Mayouna died from blunt force trauma to the abdomen and the medical examiner explains in the report she could have survived had someone called for help.

 

 
 

 

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