Teen's Death at Westwood Lodge Goes to Trial

Jury selection begins today for a trial focusing on the 2006 death of a teenager at a psychiatric care center in Westwood 

Monique Payne was 14 when she died while a resident at Westwood Lodge, a psychiatric hospital in town.

Payne died of complications from an untreated brain tumor. Her mother, Theresa Payne, told Fox 25 that understaffing at the facility is to blame.

"There is no reason for her to be dead now. Whatsoever. Especially at the age of 14. It's not right," Theresa Payne told FOX Undercover in 2007. "Her life is gone. For no reason."

Monique complained for four days about headaches. According to Fox, when 911 was called, it was too late. The tumor was an inactive one Monique had for years.

"They ignored all her cries. She was asking and telling them my head is killing me. I need to go to the doctors," her mother told Fox.

The trial to decide if Westwood Lodge staff acted promptly enough starts today with jury selection at Essex Superior Court.