Authorities identify 18-month-old Minneapolis girl killed from blows to head, neck

A 18-month-old Minneapolis girl who died from head and neck injuries last summer in Scott County has been identified.

Layla Mary Ann Jackson, of Minneapolis, died on Aug. 28 from blows to her head and neck, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office said.

Jason R. Betlach, 30, of Jordan, described by the Sheriff's Office as a caregiver of the girl, remains jailed on a charge of second-degree murder before his next court appearance on Jan. 16.

An emergency call to the Sheriff's Office reported that the girl was not breathing on Aug. 26 at a home in the 4000 block of Morlock Drive in Sand Creek Township. Layla died two days later while hospitalized at Children's Minneapolis, the medical examiner said.

A memorial service was held in early September for Layla at New Bethel Baptist Church in Minneapolis, and she was interred at Crystal Lake Cemetery, also in Minneapolis.