New York parents receive probation after pleading guilty to infant's starvation death
Luis Gonzalez Jr. and Kitrina Udrea were sentenced to five years of probation for the second-degree manslaughter of their two-and-a-half-month-old daughter, Londyn Gonzalez.
Luis Gonzalez Jr., 26, and Kitrina Udrea, 23, of Buffalo pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter for the death of their two-and-a-half-month-old daughter, Londyn Gonzalez, after admitting they recklessly caused her starvation. The plea was entered in May, and the Erie County District Attorney's Office highlighted that the charge could result in a maximum of 15 years in prison. During Thursday's hearing, Democrat Judge James F. Bargnesi described the parents' conduct as "absolutely outrageous" and "absolutely inexcusable," yet sentenced them to five years of probation.
The couple will not serve further incarceration beyond the 45 days they have already spent in custody. The ruling sparked criticism from child-welfare advocates who argue the punishment is insufficient for the severity of the neglect.
Why it matters
The case highlights how courts handle severe child neglect cases and the limits of sentencing for manslaughter.
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