Bonnie Pattinson, 31, showed very little emotion as she stood in front of a Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Thursday and was sentenced to nine years in prison for causing the death of her foster child, 21-month-old Tiffany Sue Banks Cross.
Tiffany died in April. The coroner's office determined the toddler was beaten.
"My family's intention was to love her, to keep her safe, and let her grow," Pattinson told the judge. "I'm still unable to explain what happened to someone so precious that was placed in our care."
Tiffany's birth family, however, packed the courtroom and told the judge they were angered that Pattinson was allowed to plea to an involuntary manslaughter charge. She had been indicted on murder, but that was reduced in exchange for the guilty plea.
"I never want you around kids again," said Bonnie Edwards, Tiffany's birth aunt. "You are a very evil person, and I really hope you die in jail."
Tiffany's birth grandmother, Loretta Banks, agreed, saying they don't understand how anyone could have hurt the young child.
No one was happy with the sentence. The family wanted her to serve life in prison. The defense wanted probation, and even the prosecutor said she felt the defendant deserved more time.
