In a surprising turn of events, a woman from central New York has declined a plea deal concerning the tragic death of her 5-year-old daughter, despite earlier indications from her legal team that she wished to accept responsibility, according to authorities.

Latasha Mott, aged 30, faces serious charges including murder and the concealment of a corpse related to the 2024 death of her young daughter, Nefertiti Harris. Initially, it seemed the case might reach a resolution, but Mott’s decision to reject the plea has left the matter unresolved for the time being.

During a court session, the judge offered Mott a prison term ranging from 23 years to life if she admitted guilt to charges such as second-degree murder and hiding a human corpse, as noted by Syracuse.com. Although Mott expressed a willingness to take accountability for her daughter’s demise, she resisted pleading guilty to murder, asserting that her actions were not intended to result in the child’s death.

The accusations against Mott include the alleged beating of Nefertiti with a belt while the child was in the shower at their Syracuse residence on January 6, 2024. Following this incident, it is alleged that Mott, with the assistance of her then-boyfriend, Corrice Parks, who was 28 at the time, concealed the body in a nearby field.

Tragically, Nefertiti’s remains were discovered on March 26, 2024.

On Wednesday, Parks pleaded guilty to concealment of a human corpse and hindering prosecution, Syracuse.com added. Parks, who faces 14 years in prison, is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 4.

Mott is scheduled to go to trial on Jan. 20. Two of her children are reportedly expected to be called to testify against her. Her son, who was 10 at the time, may testify that his mother allegedly threatened his life just two months before Nefertiti’s death.

Mott texted Parks that she would “beat the life outta” the boy and that he would have to be dug up, according to a Syracuse police report reviewed by the website.

During the investigation into Nefertiti’s disappearance, detectives reportedly searched Mott’s phone and found chilling results. A detective recounted the search’s results in Onondaga County Court last March: “I believe it was ‘Why do killers hide kids’ bodies?’ and ‘Do bodies smell in the winter?’”

Mott and her attorneys were seeking a manslaughter charge, believing that was more in line with her actions.