Liltz, 56, was initially charged with first-degree murder in the death of the daughter she adopted when the girl was 5. Liltz was often joined in court by a group of supporters, including her parents and sister. They described her as totally devoted to taking care of Courtney, who had cerebral palsy, could not talk or dress herself and used a wheelchair. But as Bonnie's own health seemed to worsen and she feared she was near death, she agonized over the prospect of her daughter ending up in an institution.