A Pueblo woman has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of her two-year-old child, following an 11-day trial that ended during Child Abuse Awareness Month.
At a Glance
- Mythia Latka received a life sentence without parole for first-degree murder of her 2-year-old child
- The case began January 31, 2023, when police responded to a hospital report of an unresponsive toddler
- A jury deliberated for four days before reaching a unanimous guilty verdict on March 13
- Sentencing occurred on March 31, coinciding with Child Abuse Awareness Month
- District Attorney emphasized the emotional toll of cases involving child victims
Murder Investigation and Arrest
Mythia Latka of Pueblo, Colorado, was found guilty of first-degree murder of a child under twelve by one in a position of trust. The investigation began on January 31, 2023, when local police responded to a hospital regarding an unresponsive two-year-old child. Medical staff had alerted authorities after the toddler was brought in with severe injuries. Despite medical intervention, the child later died from these injuries, prompting a full criminal investigation.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Latka’s residence, gathering evidence that ultimately led to her arrest on charges of child abuse causing death. As investigators built their case, the charges were upgraded to first-degree murder, reflecting the severity and intentional nature of the crime against the defenseless victim. The prosecution team worked closely with medical experts to document the extent of the child’s injuries and establish the timeline of abuse.
Trial and Conviction
The trial against Mythia Latka lasted 11 days, during which prosecutors presented extensive evidence of child abuse resulting in death. The jury deliberated for four days before unanimously finding Latka guilty on March 13. The lengthy deliberation reflected the gravity of the case and the detailed evidence that jurors had to consider before reaching their verdict. The case required significant coordination between law enforcement, medical professionals, and the prosecution team.
“The verdict is truly the result of teamwork, including the dedication and hard work of law enforcement, the medical community, our prosecution team, and the community. Any case involving a child victim is emotionally taxing, and the District Attorney’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for all victims. This bit of justice for this young victim is especially meaningful as April is Child Abuse Awareness Month,” says 10th Judicial DA Kala Beauvais.
On March 31, the judge handed down the mandatory sentence for the conviction: life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The sentencing phase was brief compared to the trial, as Colorado law prescribes this specific penalty for first-degree murder convictions involving victims under twelve years of age when the perpetrator is in a position of trust.
Child Abuse Awareness Context
The timing of the sentencing carried additional significance as it occurred at the beginning of Child Abuse Awareness Month. District Attorney Kala Beauvais highlighted this connection, emphasizing the case’s emotional impact on everyone involved. The District Attorney’s office reiterated their commitment to vigorously prosecuting cases involving harm to children and seeking the maximum penalties allowed by law for those convicted of such crimes.
“Any case involving a child victim is emotionally taxing, and the District Attorney’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for all victims. This bit of justice for this young victim is especially meaningful as April is Child Abuse Awareness Month.” – District Attorney Kala Beauvais
Child welfare advocates have pointed to this case as a tragic example of why awareness and prevention efforts remain critical. Local support organizations have used the case to highlight warning signs of potential abuse and encourage community members to report suspected cases to authorities. The conviction demonstrates the legal system’s capacity to hold perpetrators accountable, but also underscores the need for preventative measures to protect vulnerable children.
