BELFAST, Maine (AP) An attorney for the mother of a 10-year-old girl killed in February 2018 says he will ask the state to dismiss murder charges against her, if the girl’s stepfather pleads guilty.

In response, the attorney for the 52-year-old stepfather, Julio Carrillo, calls that move a “ridiculous attempt to generate headlines.”

Sharon Carrillo’s attorney , Christopher MacLean, says jury selection in her trial will begin in December if the state doesn’t drop the charges.

Authorities allege Marissa Kennedy died in Stockton Springs after being beaten for months by her mother and stepfather, who tried to make her death look like an accident.

Julio Carrillo is expected to plead guilty next Monday to depraved indifference murder in Kennedy’s killing.

Sharon Carrillo pleaded not guilty to murder in Kennedy’s death.