Mom arraigned on charge of killing girl

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DETROIT, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- A Detroit woman has been formally charged with killing her 8-year-old daughter.

Semeria Greene appeared at her arraignment Wednesday by video link, The Detroit News reported. She was charged with felony murder and child abuse and could receive a life sentence if she is convicted.

Tameria Greene, who would have celebrated her 9th birthday Wednesday, was stabbed in the chest Sunday. Police who responded to the house said they found Greene performing CPR on her daughter, the Detroit Free Press said.

Greene denied killing the child, telling investigators she heard someone knocking on the door and then found her daughter in the living room.

The family first came to the attention of Child Protective Services two years ago. A case worker saw bruises on Tameria's face in October, and Greene had been scheduled to appear in court Jan. 29 because of allegations of child abuse.

Tameria had four younger brothers who are now in foster care.

Reports show allegations that on one inspection Greene had almost no food in the house or furniture, the News said. A crib was being used for storage with her infant son evidently sleeping elsewhere.

Maura Corrigan, head of the state Department of Human Services, has ordered an expedited review of the handling of the case.