Jury selection underway for babysitter accused of giving fatal dose of Benadryl to toddlers

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The jury selection process began Monday morning Dixie Villa, who is on trial for manslaughter.

About 120 potential jurors were called to circuit court. The prosecution and defense are working to reduce that to 12 plus three alternates.

Abigail Lobisch does Seven months old when she died on February 24, 2019 on the Aliamanu Military Reserve.

Villa’s trial has already been postponed more than a dozen times, including due to the COVID trial closure and unavailable witnesses.

“It’s just really unbearable,” said Katie Camario, a friend of the Lobisch family.

“Five years is a very long time to ask grieving families to wait.”

Villa is accused of giving the toddler a lethal dose of diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl.

Diphenhydramine was found in the toddler’s blood and urine, even though the drug is not recommended for children under six years of age.

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Camario said the delays have made it difficult for the family to move forward.

“It would take a toll on any of us who have lost a loved one in such a tragic way,” Camario said.

“Five years without being able to get justice, and that’s not okay.”

Tuesday is the national election day holiday, so jury selection continues Wednesday morning, with opening statements.