Court hears daycare case

The state Supreme Court on Friday heard the appeal of two Portales day-care owners convicted in the 2017 hot car death of a 22-month-old child.

Sandi and Mary Taylor initially received sentences of 30-plus years following their convictions, after they left two children in a hot vehicle for 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Maliyah Jones, 22 months, died as a result of the incident. Aubri Loya, then 23 months, was seriously injured but survived.

Records show the court agreed to hear the appeal based on two issues brought by the Taylors’ defense: jury instructions and the evidence against them.

Former Ninth Judicial District Attorney Andrea Reeb prosecuted the case. The Taylors are represented by Clovis attorney Tye Harmon.

Attorneys said Friday the court could take a month or two before ruling on the case.

Harmon has said the Supreme Court can do one of three things — uphold the initial conviction, order a new trial or reverse the conviction and acquit the Taylors.