Photo: GoFundMe
A Baltimore day care worker has been sentenced to 70 years in prison forsmothering an 8-month-old girl last year.
On Monday, Leah Walden, 24, appeared before a Baltimore Circuit Court and pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the 2017 death of Reese Bowman, a court official tells PEOPLE.
She was sentenced to life in prison with all but 70 years of her sentence suspended and five years of probation upon release.
“I’m just reflecting on everything I heard,” Handy said, theSunreports. “There are tears everywhere in this courtroom.”
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Before killing the child, Walden has expressed frustration to a co-worker, prosecutors said Tuesday, according to theSun.
“I’m sick of this little b—-. I hate this little b—- … She makes me want to punch her in the face..”
Leah Walden.Baltimore City Police Department
Reese’s family shared with the court how they moved to Baltimore to start a family, according to the paper. She had one older brother, who also attended the day care. After her death, the family left their jobs and moved from Baltimore.
“I will never see my girl take her first steps,” Justin Bowman said, theSunreports. “Hold her, kiss her, comfort her when she’s scared, hear her say ‘I love you.’ “
Before Reese’s death, Walden had worked at the child care center, Rocket Tiers Learning Center, for two and a half years and described her work on the center’s website as “rewarding,” theSunreported at the time.
On Tuesday, Walden apologized forReese’s death and saidin court she had no formal training or help at the day care, according to local station WJZ13.
Walden’s sister spoke in her defense, saying the 24-year-old was not a monster, theSunreports. She then turned to Reese’s family and apologized, saying, “I’m so sorry. With all my heart, I’m sorry.”
Rocket Tiers closed permanently following Reese’s death. Walden will be eligible for parole in 35 years, the court official says. Her attorney could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
source: people.com
