Prosecution rests in trial of mom accused of starving teen

Morgan says Nicole Finn wrote in a March 2016 text, “They are worthless. I can’t stand them.” Morgan says Finn sent another text to her son after Natalie’s death saying she’d messed up. (Pexels photo)

DES MOINES, Iowa— A detective says an Iowa mother on trial in the starvation death of her 16-year-old daughter sent ranting texts saying she hated her children and calling them “worthless.”

The Des Moines Register reports that West Des Moines police detective Chris Morgan testified Thursday and Friday about text messages sent to others by 43-year-old Nicole Finn. She’s pleaded not guilty to murder, kidnapping and child endangerment in the October 2016 death of 16-year-old Natalie Finn. Natalie weighed just 85 pounds at the time of her death.

Morgan says Nicole Finn wrote in a March 2016 text, “They are worthless. I can’t stand them.” Morgan says Finn sent another text to her son after Natalie’s death saying she’d messed up.

The prosecution rested Friday. Finn’s defence team will present its case Monday.