Two Idaho parents sentenced to prison
Both receive terms after their infant daughter is severely injured from abuse
IDAHO FALLS — Two Idaho parents have been sentenced to prison for child abuse after their weeks-old daughter was so badly abused that doctors think she might never fully recover.
James Berry, 23, and Amanda Berry, 24, both entered modified guilty pleas to felony child abuse charges on Monday, acknowledging there was enough evidence to convict them but declining to admit to the crime, the Post Register reported.
Seventh District Judge Dane Watkins Jr. sentenced Amanda Berry to up to 14 years in prison and she will be eligible for parole after serving four years. James Berry was given to up to 15 years in prison, with parole eligibility starting after less than six years.
The Idaho Falls parents were charged after their baby was hospitalized with severe injuries in 2019. Doctors said the infant had broken bones and part of her brain had been turned to mush from abuse.
The child is expected to need care for the rest of her life, and may have a shortened life expectancy, Bonneville County Assistant Chief Deputy Prosecutor Russell Spencer told the court.
The doctor who treated the child said she had “the worst injuries he had ever observed on a patient that was still living,” Spencer said.
Both parents told police they blacked out while caring for the infant and could not remember abusing her, though James Berry acknowledged he likely broke the child’s ribs.
James Berry’s defense attorney Neal Randall said his client was concerned about the child and gave the modified guilty plea because he couldn’t remember what caused the injuries.
Defense attorney Rocky Wixom, representing Amanda Berry, told the court his client had mental illness and said James Berry had isolated Amanda from her family. Amanda Berry expressed remorse.
“I wish I could take it back every day,” Amanda Berry told the judge.
Watkins described the victim as a “miracle baby” for surviving her injuries, and noted that the extent of the damage wouldn’t be known until the girl was older.
“We don’t know whether or not this child will be restored fully,” Watkins said. “It’s unlikely.”
