Dennis Eckersleys daughter avoids jail after abandoning baby in sub-zero temperatures
A mother convicted of abandoning her newborn son in the woods in subfreezing temperatures was given a suspended sentence Thursday, provided she continues to maintain contact with mental health providers.Alexandra Eckersley, 27, the daughter of Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley, received separate sentences of 12 months and six months on different charges, both of which were suspended by the court, allowing her to return home.Prosecutors had asked for at least a year in jail followed by probation.The defense asked for a six-month suspended sentence and that Eckersley continue to comply with doctors’ mental health recommendations.Judge Amy Messer said sentencing Eckersley to jail would create a significant likelihood of derailing the gains and stability she has achieved since her arrest.Eckersley did not address the court.“Ms.
Eckersley, I have to tell you whatever your motivation, whether it’s your son or whether it’s avoiding a period of incarceration it’s going to be critically important that you continue on the path that you’re on.I expect that if you do so you will be successful,” Messer said.The sentences were set to begin Thursday and end in three years provided Eckersley continues with mental health services.
She was due back in court on Nov.14.The charges Eckersley was convicted of — falsifying physical evidence, endangering the welfare of a child, and reckless conduct — would normally call for a four-to-eight-year jail term.
The jury acquitted her of two assault charges.Alexander Gatzoulis, assistant county attorney, acknowledged Eckersley admitted her actions at trial and has worked to turn her life around.“On the other hand, Ms.Eckersley’s conduct was troubling and very nearly resulted in the unthinkable,” he said.
“Ms.Eckersley did not lie or mislead first responders just once.
She did so repeatedly for close to an hour about something so significant as concealing the location of a newborn child.”Her lawyers have said E...