A couple from Oklahoma will spend the next 30 years in prison following the death of a toddler.
In 2016, officials were called to a Tulsa home after a 2-year-old boy was found unresponsive.
When the officers arrived at the home, 2-year-old Michael Rigney had bruises on his arms and face, and was suffering from a head injury. Sadly, he died from his injuries.
Police eventually arrested Branden Taylor, the boy’s stepfather, in connection with his death. The child’s mother, Tina Morgan, was also arrested for allegedly allowing the abuse of the child.
Morgan said that she left the boy alone with Taylor the day before his death.
When the Mother came home, she says that Taylor told her that Michael was already asleep for the night. The next morning, Michael was found dead.
Taylor however, admitted to kicking Michael in the head after the boy bit him. He says that Michael was knocked unconscious, and says he did not seek medical attention.
In April, a jury found both Taylor and Morgan guilty of neglect.
The couple was sentenced to 30 years in prison and a $5,000 fine for child neglect.
Morgan’s family says that she plans to appeal the conviction and ask for a separate trial.