Judge lets murder defendant trick-or-treat

Deja Coleman, a mother charged with the death of her 16-month-old son, is permitted to trick-or-treat with her two children this Halloween. The ruling came from a Gwinnett County judge who allowed Coleman to participate in community activities inside her transitional housing complex.

Coleman faces second-degree murder and cruelty to children charges. She appeared in court on Thursday with her attorney, Trinity Hundredmark, to request changes to her bond conditions. The judge ruled that Coleman may stay within the complex and work the front desk to help pay for room and board.

Hundredmark argued that participating in local events serves as therapeutic programming that promotes family stability. "This is a mother that wants to be a mother," Hundredmark said in court. "She wants to parent. And we believe that's what your bond order had originally wanted her to do. You didn't put any restrictions on her ability to parent and have her children, and to not allow her to have trick or treating with her kids is simply punishment to her."

Prosecutors opposed the request, stating that Coleman presents a danger to children and the community. They asked the court to confine her strictly to her home. Assistant District Attorney Megan Matteucci noted that while Coleman is not charged with intentional murder, she faces charges of severe negligence resulting in a child's death.

The court has not yet confirmed the timeline for Coleman's trial. Officials have not announced when her bond conditions will face further review.