A Pinellas County woman was arrested after West Virginia deputies said she killed her 3-year-old daughter.
- Lena Lunsford taken into custody Friday
- Aliayah Lunsford, 3, died in 2011; body not found
- Suspect extradited back to West Virginia
The case has mystified investigators since 2011, when Aliayah Lunsford went missing.
Now, deputies in Lewis County, W.Va., say Lena Lunsford is responsible for her daughter’s death.
An arrest affidavit claimed Lunsford hit the toddler with a blunt force object in her home. The toddler was clearly suffering from the blow, according to a witness.
The witness also told investigators Lunsford did not get medical help, and forbid everyone in the home from giving the toddler the help she needed. She died hours later.
The affidavit also claimed Lunsford concealed Aliayah’s body and fabricated a story about her daughter's whereabouts. Her body has still not been recovered.
"I realize that there are several questions unanswered," said Lewis County Sheriff Adam Gissy.
"However, I’m sure the one question that’s weighing on everyone’s mind is, 'Have we located Aliayah?’ The investigation has led us to believe that one person, the one person who possesses this knowledge of Aliayah’s whereabouts is in police custody," he said.
Authorities arrested Lunsford at her Clearwater home. She was then extradited back to West Virginia to face charges.
She is being held on $250,000 bond.
Vickie Bowen, Aliayah’s great aunt, said the family has mixed emotions.
"It’s been a rollercoaster," Bowen said. "You know, I’m happy that finally something is getting done. It’s sad that what little bit of hope we had is now gone that she will be found alive."