Court records show that a 55-year-old woman, later identified as Yolanda, who previously pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her 4-year-old nephew, later identified as King, has now been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Initially, both Yolanda and the victim’s 9-year-old sister were charged in connection with King’s death, which was described as a result of a broom beating. However, Tara, communications director for the District Attorney’s Office, clarified that the case against the sister was dropped. It was confirmed that the 9-year-old girl had no involvement in the killing. Yolanda, who had previously blamed her young niece, admitted her guilt, absolving the girl of any responsibility.
King’s condition at the time of the discovery was harrowing. A responding officer testified that the child was found cold to the touch, lying on his back with a pink towel covering his face. The officer noted visible bruising under King’s eyes, a cut on his nose, cuts to his lips, and other signs of abuse, including old scarring. The investigation revealed a pattern of abuse, with a 6-year-old relative witnessing Yolanda slapping and whipping King with a belt on multiple occasions. Further distressing details emerged, portraying a gruesome picture of the treatment King endured. Yolanda had even denied the child water because of potty accidents and reportedly laughed when he resorted to drinking from the toilet, saying, “That’s what he gets.” The tools Yolanda used to abuse King included a back scratcher, a broom, and an electrical cord.
Yolanda was taken into prison right after the hearing. She had been out on bond while she waited for her sentencing. She will start her sentence right away, with credit for time already served.
