More about the trial
- Interrogation shown in child-abuse trial (11-16-06)
- Opening statements given in infant death trial (11-15-06)
- Trial underway in baby's death (11-13-06)
- Judge to rule on witness issue in infant's murder (10-27-06)
- Police interview stalled first murder trial (10-06-06)
- Judge declares a mistrial in murder case (08-04-06)
- Disputed injuries key focus in trial (08-03-06)
- More about the murder of Risha Lafferty
Closing arguments in the murder trial of Jay Decker are over and the case has gone to the jury.
A prosecutor flashed a series of photos showing the bruised head and neck of a 5-month-old infant during closing arguments this morning in the trial of her father, who's accused of killing her through repeated child abuse.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Risha Lafferty is dead. She is dead at the hands of Jay Decker," assistant Dist. Atty. Amy McGowan said. "Risha is here. She speaks to you through these injuries that she had. ... Her voice is here in court."
Defense attorney Tom Bartee said in a closing argument that the series of injuries the baby suffered in the weeks leading up to her death - all while in Decker's care - could have been accidental. He argued that the baby's mother, Brandi Mae Hendrickson, had been abusive in the past and that the timeline of events suggested she could have abused the baby in the hours before she was found dead.
"Jay Decker did not do this. Brandi Hendrickson did. He's not guilty," Bartee said.
Decker has been on trial all week. Risha Lafferty was found dead Oct. 14, 2005, at Edgewood Homes, 1600 Haskell Ave. Decker had been watching the baby while Hendrickson was at work.
UPDATE: Jay Decker has been found guilty of muder in the first degree. Sentencing will be January 3rd, 2007.
Comments
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lizzyp13 (E. Hall) says…
I hope the jury sees the truth. I pray to God that things come out truthful. Please God...
ihatejohntravolta (anonymous) says…
amen!
emilyhadley (Emily Hadley) says…
I really don't understand how the mother was so removed from these charges. I guess I never will. This should be considered a conspiracy to murder.
I know lots of people who probably shouldn't have kids of their own, but I don't know anyone with children who seem anywhere as brain dead or dangerous to their own child as Brandi Hendrickson as she represents herself.
I think that parents set examples and limitations for their caregivers on how to discipline or handle their children, but there is an age at which such specifics begin to come into play, and nothing should ever contact a 5-month-old in a way that leaves a bruise.
nlf78 (anonymous) says…
I'm glad they found him guilty, but I still feel that the mother should be facing charges too. It's really hard to understand how you can see your child, who isn't old enough to crawl or walk, getting all those bumps and bruises, without doing something! The mother doesn't have custody of the older child anymore, does she?
sublime (anonymous) says…
Lets all pitch in and get Brandi Hendrickson a tubal ligation.
a2thek (anonymous) says…
I think she did it. I dont know this for a fact but based on everything that I have read following this it sure does point more at her than him.
Brandi Mae Hendrickson, had been abusive in the past and that the timeline of events suggested she could have abused the baby in the hours before she was found dead.
if this is true than while is he guilty. Just because she left for work and he found the baby dead or what.
a2thek (anonymous) says…
A coroner testified at Decker's preliminary hearing that the baby had a fractured skull, bruises under her scalp, and signs of being shaken. The key witness in the case is Risha's mother, Brandi M. Hendrickson, who testified that the baby showed up with repeated injuries after she began leaving Decker as the baby sitter during the day while she worked. Defense attorneys challenged her credibility during the preliminary hearing.
If the baby kept showing up every other day than why did she continue to leave this guy with him. All this doesnt make sense to me. THese two get the D&D award...dumb and dumber. I guess what I am really trying to say is "white trash" award.
VoiceOfReason (anonymous) says…
I'm glad he was convicted, as he should have been. I don't think justice will truly be served, though, until she is convicted, as well, and they both pay for their crimes. A lethal injection is such a peaceful way to go for someone so violent, in my opinion. God rest Risha's soul. I believe God is cradeling her in His arms now and comforting her.
badger (anonymous) says…
For crying out loud, 'hilary', isn't this topic incendiary enough?
I hope that, having been found guilty, he is sentenced to spend a very long time in a very small room.
ibroke (anonymous) says…
AMEN!!!!! Marion
ibroke (anonymous) says…
abortion is child abuse and murder combined
Katara (anonymous) says…
Shadower,
If you want to know why Marion's beliefs are pro-life just go to
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2006/nov...
He's happy to tell you the story and to prove he takes it so seriously, he only waited 29 minutes after his heart-wrenching conversion to pro-life story to post how he produced the next child.
And just remember, his post is about someone he claims to have loved very, very much - enough to post her personal pain on a public forum.
Spin that, Marion.
srj (anonymous) says…
If Brandi Hendrickson does not serve any time, justice has not been fully dished out.
Katara (anonymous) says…
That is true, srj. At the very least, she was aware of what was happening & did nothing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Marion, I have a problem with people using someone's personal tragedy to "win" an argument and then coming back & posting glib statements about that personal tragedy.
It is called having integrity.
jonas (anonymous) says…
"Posted by ibroke (anonymous) on November 17, 2006 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
abortion is child abuse and murder combined"
No, it's not.
jonas (anonymous) says…
"Posted by Marion (Marion Lynn) on November 17, 2006 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
shadower:
Abortion is ALL about killing babies."
No, it's not.
jonas (anonymous) says…
And no, I'm not going to support my opinions. When has that ever been necessary in a conversation about abortion?
leaam (anonymous) says…
For God's sake, this baby got to live a mere 5 months and all you people can do is to argue about your views on abortion and religion?
I agree the mother is just as guilty as he is. Let's hope justice will be served and let that baby rest in peace.
grubesteak (anonymous) says…
I wonder why LJW didn't put the update at the TOP of the story instead of the bottom?
lizzyp13 (E. Hall) says…
Brandi did this...way to go Brandi, you wanted Jay out of your life and you hated Risha so much because she looked like him (yes, she's that crazy). Well you got what you wanted. If I EVER see you again in my life be sure to stay step far away from me b/c unlike you I am human and I have forgiveness, but a person can make mistakes. You are an evil person who has ruined so many lives including one you gave birth to. How dare you do this! How dare you...
terrapin2 (anonymous) says…
Marion:
Unless you have a vagina your opinion about a woman's right to choose is of no practical importance to me or anyone else!
I'm quite certain most women would NOT want to have your 'hands' of 'morality' probing their bodies. I know I certainly don't like anyone telling me what to do with my mine!
As for ibroke, if you don't have a vagina the same applies to you too.
jonas (anonymous) says…
Nope
lizzyp13 (E. Hall) says…
You don't understand how crazy, controlling, and evil Brandi is. You weren't there, you don't know. There are cases of husbands controlling the mother and children, well this time it's the opposite and the mother controls the children and the father...to the point of death and false imprisonment. Trust me on this one. She's so evil.