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L.A. mother pleads not guilty to murdering 3-month-old baby

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A woman pleaded not guilty Wednesday to murder and assault charges stemming from her 3-month-old son's death last month.

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Jalyn Simone SmithJermott, 21, is charged with one count each of murder and assault on a child causing death, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

The infant's father, Eric Shannon Johnson, 35, has already pleaded not guilty to a felony count of child abuse.

The baby -- identified by ABC7 as Shannon Johnson --  was found not breathing Sept. 10 in his bassinet in Porter Ranch and was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the District Attorney's Office.

The cause of the baby's death has been deferred, according to records from the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office.

SmithJermott and Johnson were arrested Oct. 3 by the Los Angeles Police Department's Juvenile Division, jail records show.

SmithJermott remains jailed in lieu of $2 million bail, while Johnson has been released from custody, according to the records.

"My heart goes out to the victim, who suffered unimaginable pain at the hands of those who were meant to provide love, safety, and protection," District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. "Children, especially babies, depend on their parents and loved ones for care and nurturing. It is a profound betrayal when that trust is shattered."

The two defendants are due back in a San Fernando courtroom Nov. 18. A date is scheduled to be set then for a hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to require them to stand trial.

SmithJermott faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged, while Johnson faces up to six years in prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.

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