Action 3 News - Omaha, Nebraska News, Weather, and Sports | Woman Pleas Guilty To Killing Baby, Gets 50 Years In Prison
Member Center:
Omaha, NE - A daycare provider in prison for killing a baby, makes a surprise plea Tuesday. April Rogers was originally sentenced life in prison for the 2005 murder. She appealed and was supposed to get a new trial next week.
April Rogers pleaded guilty in the courtroom. To save all the families involved the pain of a new trial, both sides came to a mutual agreement and the judge agreed. She gets 50 years in prison for child abuse resulting in death. Bottom line, she'll spend a minimum of 25 years in prison and could be released about the time she turns 60 years old.
Rogers was the baby's daycare provider when she reportedly snapped. Rogers' attorney says the woman has had personality disorders and depression. He says family problems pushed her to the edge back when the incident happened. Prosecutors say the victim's family wanted to hear Rogers admit her guilt in court. "She's extremely remorseful and sad. This incident was so out of character. She has no criminal history, she was pregnant and had three children, it was so far away from her character," said Rogers' Attorney Tim Burns. "I think it meant something to the Tay family. To have her say she was guilty of this. Admit and take responsibility for this. Yes it did make a difference," said Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine.
Rogers' family walked out of the courtroom. Shortly after, Tay's family followed. Neither family would comment on the sentencing.
Prosecutors say the Tay family is satisfied with the plea deal. Alex Tay would be five years old if he were alive today.
Reported by Erika Summers, esummers@action3news.com
