Photo: AP/Shutterstock
In 1985, Terry McKirchy pleaded no contest to attempted murder for shaking then-5-month-old Benjamin Dowling so severely that he suffered a brain hemorrhage, according to theAssociated Press. She was sentenced to spending weekends in jail for three months and three years on probation while Dowling lived with permanent mental and physical disabilities.
In 2019, at 35 years old, Dowling died,according to his obituary. Now, McKirchy has been charged with his murder.
McKirchy was taken into custody near her home in Sugar Land, Texas, after a Broward County grand jury indicted her with a first degree murder charge, theSouth Florida Sun Sentinelfirst reported.
dignitymemorial.com
McKirchy has always maintained her innocence. In 1985, she told theMiami Herald, “I know I didn’t do it…My conscience is clear. But I can’t deal with it anymore.”
If found guilty of Dowling’s murder, McKirchy faces life in prison.
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According to his family, despite his challenges, Dowling enjoyed a life “full of opportunity and adventure.”
“Benjamin smiled when a familiar voice spoke to him or he heard something that tickled him,” his online obituary states. “He was number 1 fan for his talented brother and sister in their many activities and sporting events. He traveled many places in the US and even the Bahamas for a wonderful family reunion. Benjamin taught us all many valuable life lessons and everyone who knew Benjamin was better because they did.”
It is unclear whether McKirchy has an attorney to comment on her behalf. She is awaiting extradition back to Florida.
source: people.com
