Prior to sentencing, Snowden addressed the court and expressed sorrow for her part in the horrific crime.
"I would like to do everything different." she said.
Snowden cried as she spoke but given how the events unfolded, she was most likely crying over her own situation instead of the loss of her son – something which apparently did not concern her much during the two years she was helping hide his remains.
"You were the only hope that child had," Deegan said to Snowden before handing down his sentence. "The bottom line is you forgot and didn't take care of the first responsibility in your life, and that was taking care of your child."
Deegan's words were strong but he apparently lost his vigor along the way, as moments later he sentenced Snowden to a mere 5 1/2 to 15 years in prison, on the charge of involuntary homicide. In regard to the second-degree child abuse charge, Deegan ruled that Snowden would concurrently serve a 300 day sentence, with 178 days credit for time served.
As a result of the Deegan's lenience, Snowden will be eligible for placement in a halfway house after serving a meager 18 months behind bars.
It never ceases to amaze me how a drug dealer will often wind up with a tougher sentence than murderers and child abusers.
Drugs, BAD! A conviction of child abuse and involuntary manslaughter, NOT SO BAD!
William Gonzales is scheduled to stand trial on Aug. 20, to face charges of child abuse and open murder. Let's hope they found some cannabis or cocaine on him when they arrested him. At least then justice might be served.
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