Minnesota mom who threw her two-month-old son into crib causing skull and rib fractures found guilty of murder
BRAHAM, MINNESOTA: A Minnesota mother whose two-month-old son died after suffering skull and rib fractures has been found guilty of her charges.
The horrific crime came to light after police responded to the Braham, Minnesota, home of Shy Ann Hentges, 29, on April 5, 2017, reports of an unresponsive child, according to the Isanti-Chisago County Star.
When they arrived at the scene, they found her two-month-old son Eli Arispe Hentges not breathing, and eventually declared him dead at the scene after life-saving measures failed to revive him. A medical examiner subsequently determined that the infant had rib fractures and at least two fractures to his skull.
When questioned, Hentges gave contradictory statements about the incident. She initially claimed Eli had hit his head against a door frame as she carried him to the bathroom but later changed her story and admitted she "maybe put (the infant) down too forcefully" in his crib after feeding him.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that, during their nine-month investigation, detectives uncovered text messages where she complained of a lack of sleep and expressed second thoughts about "keeping this kid." She also made references to drug and alcohol use.
This past Tuesday, December 10, Hentges was convicted of second-degree murder, without intent, following a court trial after she waived her right to a jury trial.
"While this was a very difficult case for everyone involved, we want to thank everyone that helped bring justice for this infant," the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. "We especially want to thank Investigator Kevin Carlson for being so diligent and making sure every detail was investigated, County Attorney Jeff Edblad for pursuing justice and Judge Klossner for the verdict."
"There were many more people involved in this, but these three were the ones who had to make sure that Ms. Hentges was held accountable for her actions," the statement continued. "It takes a village to raise a child. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach to Isanti County Family Services as well as many other community resources."
Hentges remains jailed on a $250,00 bail ahead of her sentencing hearing on February 20, 2020, and is facing the prospect of 40 years behind bars.