New Kensington mother waives hearing on charges in death of son, 3

A New Kensington woman charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of her 3-year-old son waived her right to a preliminary hearing Thursday.

Teresa Fetterman, 23, also is charged with child endangerment and aggravated assault in the death of her son, Mikel Fetterman, and drug offenses.

Mikel Fetterman was taken from Valley Royal Court to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh early March 26. An autopsy determined his death at the hospital on April 24 was due to blunt force trauma to his head.

Police charged Teresa Fetterman on May 11, three days after charging her boyfriend, Keith Dale Lilly Jr., 31, with homicide and several other charges including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse in the boy’s abuse and death.

Doctors who examined Mikel Fetterman said he had been a repeated victim of abuse, according to court records.

Police allege Teresa Fetterman left Mikel in Lilly’s care even though he had been abusive toward her, the boy and their dog. Police also alleged that Teresa Fetterman failed to get her son proper medical care for his injuries.

Police said they found marijuana and drug paraphernalia when they searched Teresa Fetterman and Keith Lilly’s apartment, which they described as dirty. Police said Teresa Fetterman told them she let her son sleep in the living room where the drugs were found.

Teresa Fetterman is being held in Westmoreland County Prison on $50,000 bail.

Lilly was denied bail and also is being held in the prison. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 9.