NEW CASTLE, Ind. -- The mother of a 3-year-old New Castle girl who authorities said was beaten to death in December faces a felony charge of neglect of a dependent.

Krystal A. Pollitt, 27, had an initial court hearing on Friday and was being held in the Henry County Jail under a $50,000 bond.

Her live-in boyfriend, Jeremiah A. Hoots, 29, has been charged with a felony count of battery in connection with the death of Kaitlynne Jennings.

Prosecutors said Hoots beat Kaitlynne on Dec. 17. The girl died a few days later.

An autopsy found the girl had two skull fractures, bleeding in the brain and a broken neck. Hoots told investigators that the girl was hurt while wresting with her brothers.

One of the victim's two young brothers told investigators Hoots had tried to persuade him to take the blame for the girl's injuries.