A 28-year-old woman has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for beating her 3-year-old niece to death in 2012.
In July, Irene Walker accepted an agreement, pleading guilty to one count of negligent child abuse resulting in death, a Class 3 felony.
On Friday, she was given the maximum possible sentence during a hearing in Adams County District Court.
Walker cared for the niece, Jersey Ruiz, and four other children while Jersey’s mother worked two jobs, according to a news release from the Adams County district attorney’s office.
On Sept. 17, 2012, Walker and Jersey’s mother rushed the unresponsive toddler to St. Anthony North Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
It was later revealed that Jersey died of blunt-force trauma.
Her injuries were so severe that the blood supply to her intestines was cut off.
An autopsy showed that Jersey had lacerated bowels and other extensive internal injuries and bleeding.
Prosecutors said Walker’s daughter told police she saw her mother stomping on Jersey’s stomach.
“The agony this little girl suffered in the final hours of her life is unimaginable,” District Attorney Dave Young said in a statement. “Her injuries were caused by the woman who was entrusted with her care. Jersey’s mother asked for justice for her daughter and we hope that this sentence gives the family a sense that justice has been done.”
Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1794, jsteffen@denverpost.com or
