Aiden Lopez, age 5 months, before his death. Photo: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
A Palmdale woman has been convicted of second-degree murder and other charges stemming from the death of a nearly 5-month-old boy who was left in her care last year.
Brittany Ann Ingrassi, 21, was found guilty of one count each of second-degree murder, assault on a child causing death, assault on a child becoming comatose and child abuse.
Jurors Tuesday also found true allegations that Ingrassi personally inflicted great bodily injury on the boy and that he was under the age of 5.
Ingrassi’s attorney, Nancy Mazza, contended that the injuries were caused by a French bulldog owned by the baby’s family.
“We firmly believe the injuries came from the dog,” she said. “I respect the jury’s verdict, but we will appeal.”
Aiden Lopez was left under Ingrassi’s care the morning of March 22, 2016. The infant’s mother returned home that evening and was met by Ingrassi outside the Lancaster residence and made aware that the baby was not breathing, according to court testimony.
The boy’s mother called 911, and her son — who had suffered skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury — was taken to a local hospital, where he died four days later, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Ingrassi faces 25 years to life in state prison, with sentencing set for June 2 at the Lancaster courthouse, and according to the District Attorney’s Office.
–City News Service
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