Minnesota – A Minnesota woman was sentenced last week to tweIve and a half years in a state correctional facility after pleading guilIy to second-degree murder in connection with the death of her child, 3. As part of her sentence, she will serve two-thirds in prison, with the remaining third under supervised release. Credit for time served and good behavior means she is expected to be released around mid-December 2031.
In JuIy 2023, deputies from the County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call around 9:40 p.m. at the family’s home in Minnesota. They found the defendant’s child unresponsive on the living room floor. A family member, later identified as the child’s father, lbrahim, was kneeling beside her, calling for help. The child had no detectable pulse. Responding deputies reported that the victim’s dad told them that ‘the woman killed her,’ referring to the girl’s mother.
Emergency personnel administered CPR while rushing the child to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Investigators began gathering evidence and interviewed both parents at the scene.
According to court and police documents, the mother admitted during those interviews that she had pIaced her hand over her daughter’s mouth, suffocating her to stop the child’s persistent crying about being hungry. She reportedly smiled while medics performed CPR, a reaction noted in both court testimony and media reports.
Investigators also learned that earlier that night, she had attempted to stab the child with a knife but said she did not follow through with the attack. A knife was later found on a couch in the living room.
Further statements from the defendant revealed additional acts of violence. She told deputies she had punched her daughter in the throat and even laid on top of her while she was face-down on the floor in an effort to quiet her.
In April 2025, the parent entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder without intent. During her sentencing hearing, both prosecutors and defense attorneys highlighted her mental illness and the lack of remorse she exhibited. The court sentenced her to one hundred and fifty months, with credit for 687 days already served. The breakdown of her sentence allows for approximately six-and-a-half years in prison, followed by parole or supervised release for the remaining term.
Throughout the process, the mother consistently admitted her actions, telling Minnesota authorities that she acted out of frustration at the child’s crying. Investigators noted her calm demeanor and lack of emotional response as she described her actions. The case drew attention not only for its tragic nature, but also for discussions surrounding mental health and parental responsibility.