Patoka Mom Guilty in Newborn's Death
By: Web Producer
Updated: February 18, 2008
Vanessa Robinson left Gibson County Superior Court with her hands cuffed and her coat hood pulled up over her head. The 22 year old Patoka mom was found guilty Thursday of felony neglect of a dependent. Jurors handed down not guilty verdicts in counts of murder and fetal murder, instead ruling that her negligence caused the child to die.
Robinson gave birth in the basement of the home she shared with her 3 year old son, her mother and her boyfriend. Testifying on her own behalf, she said she didnt know she was pregnant, and only discovered she was when she began to deliver the breach positioned infant. Medical examiners estimated that the child was between 30 and 34 weeks along.
Robinson gave birth on a foam mattress, using garden shears to cut the childs umbilical cord, then placing the baby boy in a towel in a cardboard box.
Jurors agreed with medical examiners who said the child took its first breaths, making it a living person. Robinson contended the child was still born.
Prosecutor Rob Kreig said he is satisfied with the conviction for felony neglect of a dependent. It is a Class A felony, carrying a 20 to 50 year penalty.
"This little boys life mattered," said Kreig of the conviction. Kreig said he still believes Robinson knowingly made decisions that led to the babys death. "When you place a child that young in a box and leave it there, you know whats going to happen."
