Group rallies for woman Tatiana Lima accused in child's death

About two dozen supporters of a mother accused in the death of her 1-month-old daughter gathered outside the Fulton County Courthouse on Monday.

Tatiana Lima was scheduled for an appearance at the courthouse, and supporters came to make a plea for her innocence. They want the Fulton County District Attoey’s Office to reexamine the evidence and dismiss the charges.

Lima’s daughter, Akira, died in August 2010. The child’s father, Jerry Copeland, was charged at the time. Two months later, Lima was indicted.

Supporters have spent months fighting for Lima’s cause, using the website www.justice4.tatiana.org to spread the word. Last month, organizers raised nearly $5,000 to post her bond. 

”It’s been refreshing. It's been good glad to be back with my family, Lima said.

Lima’s former professor at Georgia State University is among supporters who don’t believe she is capable of murder.

”She's an honor student. She was very active in the community while a student at Georgia State. Worked with children in the community,Akinyele Umoja said.

In court, one of Lima's attoeys said they would like time to hire an expert witness in the case. The judge gave the defense until Nov. 18 to notify the expert witness. Lima remains out on bond with an ankle monitor.