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Sam Penrod Reporting"I don't see any benefit of putting her in the Utah State Prison. This is not a crime that was a reckless crime or intentional conduct."
The woman convicted of killing her four-year-old daughter by forcing her to drink so much water that she died, is headed to prison. A Utah County judge today sentenced Jennette Killpack to a one to fifteen year prison sentence.
Today's sentence is being called a victory for the protection of young children. The judge handed down the sentence after the attorney for Jennette Killpack made a long plea for probation, so that Killpack could remain at home with her other children. But the judge didn't buy it and ruled that Killpack should go to prison.
Richard and Jennette Killpack have fought the child abuse homicide charges against them for the last three and a half years. Richard was acquitted, but Jennette was found guilty of forcing their daughter Cassandra to drink so much water that she died.
The Killpacks maintain they were trying to help Cassandra with emotional problems she suffered as a result of being abused before they adopted her. But the judge said the prison sentence is necessary, adding that just as Jennette Killpack was trying to teach Cassandra consequences, today there are consequences for Jennette's actions.
Mike Esplin, Defense Attorney: "The purpose of punishment has already been met because she is personally in anguish every day of her life, in agony of what happened. And she has accepted, despite what the state alleges, her responsibility."
Sherry Ragan, Prosecutor: "In a case where a young child has died in the state of Utah, I think it is important that you send a message: if you've caused the death of that child, you are going to do prison time. I think it is an appropriate sentence."
Jennette Killpack was given one week to prepare for the care of her children, including a six-month old baby. She must report next Friday to begin serving one to fifteen years in prison.
