HASTINGS, Minn. -- A 19-year-old Northfield woman was charged Tuesday with manslaughter in the second degree and neglect of a child in the death of her 17-month-old son.
In a news release, Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom says the charges allege that Melissa Louise Hokanson "failed to seek medical care for her son after he was injured on June 19, 2009, thereby causing his death."
The boy's stepfather, Tylar Hokanson, was convicted of killing Nicholas Miller in June 2009. He received a life sentence on November 25, 2010.
Melissa Hokanson appeared in court Tuesday and was released subject to conditions. According to Backstrom her next court appearance will be March 14, 2011.
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