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Denver mother found not guilty in infant daughter's death

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DENVER — The mother of a Denver infant who died in 2020 was cleared of child abuse charges.

In February 20, 2024 news release from her attorneys, a Denver jury found Jolene Beyer-Lacrue not guilty, knowing or reckless pattern of conduct resulting in death.

Lacrue was arrested in May 2021 and faced charges in connection to the death of 9-month-old Gianna Rosales, police previously said.

Rosales was taken to the hospital on Aug. 3, 2020, after sustaining injuries. Rosales died the next day, and the medical examiner's office determined her cause of death to be blunt force injuries.

Also in 2021, Cain Gallardo, the boyfriend of Beyer-Lacrue, was arrested on a charge of first-degree murder in the infant's death.

Lacrue's attorneys said in the release Galalrdo was convicted and is serving a 40-year-sentence in connection to the death.

The child’s father, Anthony Rosales, talked to Denver7 last August. He said he worried his daughter was in danger and contacted several agencies before her death.

“They failed me," he said in August.

Rosales said he remembered jumping out of bed early on Aug. 3, and rushed to Denver Health Medical Center after his mother told him something was wrong with his daughter.

Rosales says it was the first time he saw his daughter in more than two weeks because Gianna’s mother kept his daughter away.

"They (doctors) told me she was unresponsive and then went into cardiac arrest," Rosales said.

The jury deliberated a day and a half, and according to attorneys, Beyer-Lacrue was at work when the child was allegedly injured.

"This was a sad and tragic case that never should have been filed against Ms. Beyer Lacrue. We are thankful that the jury saw this case for what it is - Ms. Beyer Lacrue is a mother who lost her daughter in terribly sad and tragic circumstances due to likely abuse by Mr. Gallardo," the news release said.