Virginia Beach, Va. – A 35-year-old babysitter has been found guilty of second degree murder and child abuse in connection to the death of a toddler in Virginia Beach.
Brenda Garner had pleaded not guilty to second degree murder and felony child abuse this morning in circuit court.
Two-year-old Garrett King died as a result of a skull fracture, widespread brain damage, and nerve damage, according to Child Abuse Pediatrician Testimony. But NewsChannel 3 also learned Garrett’s family decided to donate all of his healthy organs. He was brain dead, but kept alive until all of his organs could be harvested and donated.
Garner told police soon after being arrested, she swept Garrett off his feet, causing him to fall, hit his head on the floor, then stood him up and did it again, and again – at least three times.
A Child Abuse Pediatrician testified that was consistent with his brain injuries and bruising to his brain that she and the medical examiner found during the autopsy.
She told investigators she just lost it while changing the 2-year-old boy’s diaper on November 14, 2012.
Garrett’s mother testified that he often became fussy and cried during diaper changes. Garrett was a normal, healthy boy, says his regular doctor.<
Garner will be sentenced in October 16th, 2013 and she faces 50 years in prison.
The parents of 2-year-old Garrett King made the following statement:
“Garrett was an incredible little person – cheerful, affectionate, eager to learn, bursting with energy- and his family misses him every day. We miss seeing him cuddle with his dogs and cats, hearing him shout at the TV during a race, or watching him tumble around the yard like an NFL receiver. We have spent the past 9 months praying for justice, and we are very pleased with the outcome of today’s trial. The kindness and professional dedication of the City of Virginia Beach and the network of doctors at CHKD is unparalleled, and we sincerely thank every person involved in honoring our sweet boy. As we move forward toward healing, we ask that the press continue to respect our need for privacy.” – Jonathan and Emily King
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