Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Baby sitter pleads no contest in baby death
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (AP) — A baby sitter has pleaded no-contest to child endangerment in the death of a baby who police say was shaken to death by a 9-year-old girl in her central Pennsylvania home.
Fifty-seven-year-old Dottie Bowers entered her plea Monday in Franklin County Court. She is scheduled to be sentenced April 18.
Bowers was watching 10-month-old Heath Ryder and another child in her Shippensburg home when she found the boy unconscious in July 2010. Police say she waited more than an hour before seeking medical help.
Authorities say Ryder suffered brain and neck injuries after being shaken and thrown into his crib.
The fifth-grade girl who was also in Bowers’ care is charged with third-degree murder in Ryder’s death. Her case is proceeding in juvenile court.