Saturday, September 23, 2000
Man gets 30 years for shaking baby
The Associated Press
LOUISVILLE — A man was sentenced to the maximum — 30 years in prison — for shaking an infant girl who has been in a coma since early 1999.
Robert W. Meadows III continued to profess his innocence Thursday, but prosecutor Brian Butler called Mr. Meadows' crimes “horrific.”
Mr. Meadows, 21, of Louisville will be eligible for parole after serving 19 years. He was convicted of first-degree assault and first-degree criminal abuse last month in Jefferson Circuit Court.
Brook Miller, who is now 22 months old and in a persistent vegetative state, faces an uncertain future. The state Cabinet for Families and Children, which has custody of Brook, has asked Jefferson Family Court to allow her a natural death.
Brook is on life support at the Home of the Innocents. The state agency has requested that a “do not resus citate” order be entered on her medical chart. If the order is granted, no attempt would be made to revive Brook if she suffers cardiac arrest or respiratory distress.
Brook has been in a coma since March 11, 1999. Mr. Meadows was baby-sitting Brook that day at the apartment he shared with Brook's mother.
During last month's trial in Jefferson Circuit Court, prosecutors argued that Mr. Meadows shook the baby repeatedly and slammed her onto the floor or against an object.
During Thursday's sentencing hearing, Mr. Meadows' attorney, Sheila Seadler, asked Jefferson Circuit Judge Ann O'Malley Shake to consider a lesser sentence and granting Meadows probation.
“I'm innocent of all charges,” Mr. Meadows told Judge Shake. “I'm not the monster that the commonwealth made me out to be.”
Ms. Seadler said her client will appeal.
Tornado recovery operations under way
'It seemed like God was in control'
It's deja vu for Guardsman/helper
Former councilman admits to voter fraud
RAMSEY: Shootings
Abortion restriction blocked
Schools chief gets positive review
Ceremony welcomes 90 new American citizens
DNA leads to suspect in rape from 1993
HOWARD: West End touchstone 150 years
MCNUTT: Yesteryear Book takes look back at Butler
Prison worker pleads guilty to illicit affair
School plans 10th birthday party
Trial to proceed in fatal shooting
Concert review
Dance review
Consignment buying comes of age
:Discovery Channel star debuts decorating book
:Kitchens and baths sparkle at show
Bond Hill man charged in rapes, kidnappings
Campbell aims to conserve
Clintons' overnight guests
Court of Appeals rejects Kentucky's Megan's Law
Gardens Center more than shelter
Insurance method deemed 'unfriendly'
Man gets 30 years for shaking baby
Opinion sought on sale of guns
Ted Celeste falling further behind
Get to it
Kentucky News Briefs
Pig Parade: Hog Wash
Tristate A.M. Report
