Sorcha Griannon
02-13-2009, 02:37 AM
http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/baby_10781___article.html/life_prison.html
Baby torturers get life in prison
Judge calls it worst case of child abuse he has ever seen
February 6, 2009 - 12:56 PM
BY PATRICK THATCHER, STAFF WRITER
VICTORVILLE • The couple convicted of torturing their 20-month-old daughter were both sentenced on Friday to life in prison — the maximum allowed.
Judge John Tomerlin said it was the worst case of child abuse and torture he has ever seen and sentenced Vanessa Woods, 24, and Riginald Hardin, Jr., 26, the maximum for each of the charges. One count of child abuse carries 6 year, one count of bodily injury to a child carries 6 years and the charge of torture to a child carries a life sentence. The couple was also given 8 months on a car theft charge.
Tomberlin sentenced them to serve the 12 years and 8 months, and then the life sentence will begin. They will be eligible for parole seven years into the life sentence.
During the December trial, an emergency room physician testified that “Baby Woods” most severe burns were around the anus and that most of the skin was gone from that area.
Dr. Amy Young-Snodgrass, a forensic pediatrician at Loma Linda University Medical Center testified that both of her feet had third-degree burns up to the ankles, with second-degree burns in the calf area.
The doctor also said the baby’s abdomen was grossly extended, with bruises covering her entire abdomen, and she had burns to her chin and bleeding in the white portion of her eyes.
Since the tragic story of Baby Woods broke in January 2008, numerous Victor Valley residents were been moved beyond cynicism to acts of love and compassion. Some local residents have offered to adopt the toddler. Others have been inspired to become foster parents.
Baby torturers get life in prison
Judge calls it worst case of child abuse he has ever seen
February 6, 2009 - 12:56 PM
BY PATRICK THATCHER, STAFF WRITER
VICTORVILLE • The couple convicted of torturing their 20-month-old daughter were both sentenced on Friday to life in prison — the maximum allowed.
Judge John Tomerlin said it was the worst case of child abuse and torture he has ever seen and sentenced Vanessa Woods, 24, and Riginald Hardin, Jr., 26, the maximum for each of the charges. One count of child abuse carries 6 year, one count of bodily injury to a child carries 6 years and the charge of torture to a child carries a life sentence. The couple was also given 8 months on a car theft charge.
Tomberlin sentenced them to serve the 12 years and 8 months, and then the life sentence will begin. They will be eligible for parole seven years into the life sentence.
During the December trial, an emergency room physician testified that “Baby Woods” most severe burns were around the anus and that most of the skin was gone from that area.
Dr. Amy Young-Snodgrass, a forensic pediatrician at Loma Linda University Medical Center testified that both of her feet had third-degree burns up to the ankles, with second-degree burns in the calf area.
The doctor also said the baby’s abdomen was grossly extended, with bruises covering her entire abdomen, and she had burns to her chin and bleeding in the white portion of her eyes.
Since the tragic story of Baby Woods broke in January 2008, numerous Victor Valley residents were been moved beyond cynicism to acts of love and compassion. Some local residents have offered to adopt the toddler. Others have been inspired to become foster parents.