Caregiver accused in murder of 4-year-old Cyril girl declines plea deal

ANADARKO, Okla. ( KFOR ) – The first-degree murder case involving Alysia Adams will go to trial after she turned down a plea deal on Wednesday.

Adams is the caregiver accused in the murder of 4-year-old Athena Brownfield. The little girl's remains were discovered in a field in Rush Springs in January 2023 after she went missing.

Attorneys for both sides have been talking about a possible plea deal in the case for several months. The deal would have taken the death penalty off the table.

In the final minutes before Wednesday's hearing, Adams decided not to enter a plea which will send the case to trial.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Another day in court for Athena Brownfield's caretaker

Adams appeared in court in an orange jumpsuit, wearing shackles on her hands and feet. She got emotional when she spotted her family sitting in the front row.

Wednesday's hearing was delayed by 30 minutes because of the last-minute decision not to enter a plea. Adams' attorney did not say why she changed her mind.

There will be a deposition hearing on March 12, 2025, and the trial will be set for a later date in 2025.

In court, the state said the withdrawal of a plea meant all negotiations were off the table for the defendant. The state said it would seek the death penalty.

Her estranged husband, Ivon Adams , was also arrested for Athena's murder. He will be in court on Friday in Caddo County for an arraignment hearing.