Mom convicted in toddler’s death sentenced to 20 years
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CINCINNATI (AP) — A mother accused of smothering her crying 1-year-old child has pleaded guilty to charges including manslaughter and has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
A court official says 25-year-old Janishcia Cottinhgam pleaded guilty Wednesday in a Hamilton County court to manslaughter, felonious assault and child endangering charges in her daughter Robin’s 2013 death.
The Cincinnati woman had originally been charged with aggravated murder.
The Cincinnati Enquirer (http://cin.ci/1P0UvgCr ) reports defense attorney William Welsh says the child was sick that day and repeatedly crying. He said Cottingham was a single, unemployed mother and “got overwhelmed.”
Welsh didn’t immediately return a call Thursday seeking comment.
The newspaper reports a prosecutor said a factor in the plea deal was that Cottingham’s prior mental health issues would have been introduced at trial.