Basley to be scheduled for trial in fatal child neglect case in La Crosse

A trial is expected late this year or early in 2025 for a La Crosse woman accused of child neglect, which allegedly led to an infant’s death.

Brittany Basley pleads not guilty to the neglect charge, after a court hearing held Thursday in La Crosse.

The 33-year-old Basley was the mother of the 15-month-old child who died almost a year ago, and exposure to fentanyl has been suggested as a cause of death. However, in court testimony on Thursday, Mayo pathologist Dr. Andrew Norgan said the manner of the young boy’s death is not certain.

The defense argues that drugs could have been left by one of several guests at a party in the residence of Basley and co-defendant Lavon Liggins, the child’s father, a few days before the child died. It was also suggested that the child may have been allergic to certain food. Lavon Liggins also is facing a neglect charge in the case.

Basley remains in jail, with a cash bond set at $100,000. Her next court hearing is scheduled for October.