(CBS DETROIT) – The mother of a Howell toddler who died after gaining access to an unsecured firearm was convicted by the court last year on Thursday afternoon.
It was an emotional day in court as Tonya Lacey stood before a judge awaiting sentencing in the death of her child last summer. Lacey pleaded no contest to second-degree child molestation in March and received a deferred sentencing at a hearing in April.
On Thursday, the judge decided to dismiss Lacey without further probation, saying any action the court takes would not change the tragic outcome.
CBS Detroit
“It’s a tragedy, and I don’t think any further action this court takes or doesn’t take regarding the sentencing will change anything for Ms. Lacey. As a mother, I am sure she lives in her own home. personal grief,” Judge Cavanaugh said.
Before the sentencing, David Lacey, the child’s father, addressed the court, calling the incident an “unbelievably tragic event” and pleading for mercy from the judge, who was visibly emotional as he spoke.
Tonya Lacey’s lawyer added in court that a prison sentence is not necessary and that the fact that she has lost her child is enough grief.
CBS Detroit
“A two-year-old boy is dead. How tragic can it be? What a great loss for the parents. How much more can you punish another parent than I lost my child? You take responsibility for it, and there is The rest she will have to feel guilty for the rest of her life. What else can the court do to her? Nothing. She will suffer, and hopefully she can overcome it, and the family can heal.
Throughout this process, Tonya Lacey has been on probation, in counseling and ordered to take gun safety classes.
Her attorney says that if the incident had occurred after mandatory gun storage laws went into effect here in Michigan, it would most likely have been a very different outcome with her conviction.
Alysia Burgio
