UPDATE: Morgan Junction toddler-murder suspect Alicia Goemaat pleads not guilty

9:20 AM: We’re at King County Superior Court, where accused toddler killer Alicia Goemaat has just appeared for arraignment. In the brief hearing, she pleaded not guilty, and a date was set for her to return to court in two weeks; nothing else was said. As reported here two weeks ago, she is charged with second-degree murder for kicking her boyfriend’s 17-month-old son Drue Lehto (family photo at left) so hard, he suffered fatal internal injuries. He died at the Morgan Junction apartment where Goemaat had lived for about half a year with Drue’s father and with her own son, a few months older than Drue. Goemaat remains jailed in lieu of $1 million bail.

ADDED 10:28 AM: At right, we’ve added our courtroom photo of Goemaat, who is 20 years old, from this morning’s hearing. She was arrested at the apartment on October 1st, four days after Drue was found dead in his crib; court documents say she confessed to placing him there after kicking him twice, the first time so hard that he was knocked down, because, she said, she was mad that he and her son were fighting over a toy. Her next court appearance is set for November 3rd. This is the first West Seattle murder case in more than a year and a half.

Eric October 19, 2015 (12:15 pm)

Wow, I couldn’t imagine having to live the rest of my life knowing that I killed a little innocent life like that and experiencing and feeling that kind of guilt. That IS hell. What a shame.

Seattlite October 19, 2015 (12:52 pm)

This tragic end to little Drue Lehto’s life makes my heart ache. She kicked him twice…I doubt she feels guilt. I hope that her son will be found a home with loving people that will not harm him.

Wsgal October 19, 2015 (2:29 pm)

the justice system is difficult. The man that murdered a family member of mine, with premeditation first degree, turned himself in, admitted the crime got 2nd degree 35 years and will grace the world with his presence in a mere 12 years from now. I was just reading they are offering free fitness training, yoga and spin class in prisons. I want not vomit. People who kill people do not deserve to do spin class, especially on my dime. Let’s just hope this woman is never allowed to see her own child again. Imagine the conversation she must have one day, “oh honey, it was unintentional, I was just really upset, only 20 and hit my max- I couldn’t help kick him- TWICE and not call authorities.” Give me a break, may karma come back and teach this woman a powerful lesson and how dare she plead NOT guilty after admitting she killed this child?! we are the ONLY species that kills for reasons other then survival. Many people reach their max and don’t go around murdering other people.

Jason October 19, 2015 (5:18 pm)

Terribly sad for everyone involved, sickening in every possible way.

Jeannie October 20, 2015 (1:05 am)

Not sad for Goemaat, the murderer of a tiny child. No sympathy for her.

Sue October 20, 2015 (5:11 pm)

I hope she gets spayed!

Chris October 21, 2015 (5:41 am)

I know her personally. I guarantee she feels guilt. her son is with his father. This is not like her, and has some other root cause. Everyone that knows her would tell you she couldn’t do this. But, she admitted to kicking him, but realistically, how hard would you have to kick a 17 month old to make him fall?? Not very hard, considering I can push one over with my pinky.

phil dirt October 21, 2015 (6:12 am)

I wish the prosecuter’s office could get a conviction for 1st degree murder, since she left him in his crib for four days. If she had gotten help, this poor little boy’s life might have been saved.

AH October 21, 2015 (9:13 pm)

I’m sorry but the mere question “how hard would you have to kick a 17 month old” makes me sick. There is absolutely no excuse for what happened to that baby.

Tina October 23, 2015 (7:01 am)

Chris,
He did not die from falling. He had internal injuries. She kicked him twice, the second time for crying. Then she put him in his playpen and left him. She had no respect for this child and I hope she gets the maximum.

Rick October 24, 2015 (11:53 am)

Phil,”She left him in his crib for four days”. Fabricate your own facts much?

Melissa November 2, 2015 (10:07 pm)

Being family to Drue, I can tell you that’s it’s more than devastating what has happened. All these reports say she would’ve never done this but the fact remains, she did it. I just hope the justice systems works properly. No deals. 2nd degree murder through and through.

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