Woman faces charges in baby’s death on Montana reservation

POPLAR, Mont. (AP) — A 42-year-old woman is due in a tribal court in Montana Tuesday to face charges in the alleged beating death of a 13-month-old girl under her care on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

Investigators say forty-two year-old Janelle Red Dog killed Kenzley Olson and put her body in a dumpster before reporting her missing on April 19.

That triggered an Amber alert for Kenzley in Montana and North Dakota that was canceled after Red Dog purportedly confessed and led authorities to her body.

Red Dog's attorney has said she admitted to authorities striking Kenzley on three occasions. But defense attorney Mary Zemyan said it was uncertain if that's what killed the girl.

Tribal officials have not disclosed what charges Red Dog will face. Federal officials expect to file separate charges.