Story Created:
May 15, 2008 at 10:36 AM EST
Story Updated:
May 16, 2008 at 5:07 PM EST
The jury has returned a verdict in the murder trial of Katherine Bunnell: GUILTY of 2nd degree Murder, GUILTY of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, and NOT GUILTY of Murder in the 1st degree
After deliberating for the better part of 3 days, the jury decided not to take the weekend to decide Bunnell's fate.
The verdict came down just after 12:30 pm on Friday.
She was charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the October 2004 death of her 3-year old nephew, Thomas "T.J." Wright.
Jurors heard wildly conflicting accounts of the boy's death during closing arguments Wednesday, with a prosecutor saying Bunnell struck the child repeatedly in the face and head and dragged him down the stairs after becoming upset over a mess in her Woonsocket apartment.
Bunnell's lawyer said that while his client slapped the toddler, she was not responsible for the fatal injuries.
He blamed her live-in boyfriend, Gilbert Delestre, who is also charged and will be tried separately.
Sentencing is set for July 16, and she faces 10 years to life in prison.
Attorney General Patrick Lynch calls the case the most brutal beating his office has ever prosecuted.
ABC 6 reporter
Jeremy Tung has the latest reaction to the verdict...
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 9:19 PM J.EMMONS SMITHFIELD RI wrote ...
NO EXCUSE FOR CHILD ABUSE!
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 9:15 PM B REYNOLDS N PROV wrote ...
THAT POOR EXCUSE OF A PERSON!& THAT COWARD BOYFRIEND OF HERS CAN SIT IN PRISON&think about the horror they commited!hopefully in prison they will be beat to death just like that poor baby boy
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 1:11 PM D RICCI N PROV wrote ...
IM SICK & TIRED OF DCYF!3TIMES THAT BABY FELL OUT OF A WINDOW WHAT DOSE IT TAKE FOR A CHILDS SAFTY?DCYF IS AT FAULT! I HOPE THEY ALL ROT IN HELL INCLUDING THAT PIG! & HER BOYFREND
Tuesday, Oct 7 at 5:47 PM LISA RICCI N PROV RI wrote ...
SCUMBAGS LIKE HER & THAT PIG BOYFRIEND OF HERS SHOULD ROT IN HELL! LETS SEE HOW TUFF THEY ARE IN PRISON I HOPE THEY GET THE LIFE SNUFFED OUT OF THEM JUST LIKE THAT POOR LITTLE BOY.
Sunday, May 18 at 7:25 PM Lori wrote ...
My heart aches for little TJ - to think of the horror that little angel endured in his last moments. That "excuse" for a human should be tortured for the rest of her life, physically and emotionally.
Sunday, May 18 at 1:31 PM lj wrote ...
she and her boyfriend should get the death penalty!!! although that is too easy. beat them both to death like they did that 3 year old boy. And as far as the mother-keep her locked up and throw away the key as well.
Saturday, May 17 at 1:05 PM John, Burbank, CA wrote ...
Cases like this make me wish there was a "parenting 101 class" that everyone would be forced to pass before having children they are completely unable to care for or protect. Parenting is a privilege not a right.
Saturday, May 17 at 8:09 AM Christina wrote ...
She was "too immature to handle the kids"????! Whatever. She was drunk and angry. I hope she gets nothing less than life in prison. Anyone who can let their anger go on a child like she did should never have the chance to do it again. Her children will be better off and live longer with her out of their lives.
Friday, May 16 at 5:58 PM FGSFDS wrote ...
People who believe in the death penalty should be executed.
Friday, May 16 at 4:01 PM Barbara wrote ...
Shame on DCYF yet again. Katherine Bunnell at the age of 22 was much to immature to care properly for five children. She's paying a huge price for her actions and deserves to, but what a tragedy for all concerned--including her own two children.
Friday, May 16 at 2:54 PM Chantalle wrote ...
These crimes would drop dramatically if scumbags like them were given life or better yet, the death penalty. They know they'll get a few years or time in a mental ward, because we are too soft on criminals. Anyone who would injure and kill a child, should be put to death.
Friday, May 16 at 2:52 PM Karen wrote ...
Second Karrie!! Katherine Bunnell Should Pay the Ultimate Price for Taking a CHILD'S LIFE!!
Friday, May 16 at 2:30 PM TJ wrote ...
Your right, so RIGHT!
Friday, May 16 at 2:24 PM Karrie wrote ...
Too bad we don't have the death penalty!!!
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