A jury deliberated about four hours Friday before convicting a Lawrence man of murdering his 5-month-old daughter.
Jurors found Jay D. Decker, 27, guilty of first-degree murder in the Oct. 14, 2005, death of Risha Lafferty, who died with a skull fracture and signs of being shaken. He will be sentenced Jan. 3 and faces 20 years to life in prison.
"It's mind-boggling to have cases like this where you've got a death of a child for no apparent reason," Dist. Atty. Charles Branson said after the verdict was announced.
In her closing argument, assistant Dist. Atty. Amy McGowan flashed a series of photos of Risha's bruised head and neck.
"Risha is here. She speaks to you through these injuries that she had," McGowan told jurors. "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.
Douglas County Sheriff's Sgt. Ken Fangohr, left, leads Jay D. Decker out of the courtroom Friday after jurors found Decker guilty of first-degree murder in the abuse death of his 5-month-old daughter, Risha Lafferty.
Hendrickson was charged with felony child endangerment for failing to report some of Risha's injuries, but she agreed to plead to a misdemeanor in exchange for testimony against Decker. She is due in court next week.
Risha had more than 30 bruises on her body when she was found dead. Decker told detectives that in the days leading up to her death, she had a series of accidents while in his care - including one incident in which he said he fell into the wall while holding her.
A cut-out piece of drywall showing a circular dent was among the physical evidence presented in the case.
"The disturbing thing about that dent in the wall is it's the size and shape of an infant's head," McGowan told jurors.
Decker showed little reaction when the verdict came in, but his sister and mother sobbed. They previously had said they supported Decker and believed in his innocence.
6News reporter/anchor Janet Reid contributed to this report.
More about the trial
- 6News video: Jury convicts father of murdering infant daughter
- 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
Comments
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sublime (anonymous) says…
Jay Decker is the sorriest piece of humanity I have ever laid eyes on...............I just wish I could have some alone time with him(and three feet of garden hose)
smitty (anonymous) says…
What a shame that the emotional reaction is justification for furhter violence cloaked in the name of homosexual rape done by violent men to other violent men when there are no women present to violate; aka mysogeny. And not in fact homosexual behavior but men violating men for their own ego justifications to say one is superior to the other.
As far as this mother is concerned...low life(lower than whale sh!t at the bottom of the ocean) that allows and participates in the infant's burtalization to accommodate her own selfish agenda.
rant over
lizzyp13 (E. Hall) says…
thank-you for seeing the truth karma_king. God bless!
nomorebobsplease (anonymous) says…
The fault lies with both here. They are pointing fingers at each other (and so are their families), but the bottom line is that this child was being ABUSED and NOBODY said anything or did anything to get her help.....until, of course, it was too late. Innocent victim and I shudder to think what hell she lived in.
danielle (anonymous) says…
Jay is my cousin and I dont believe for one second that he did this. I dont know what happened, the only two that do are Jay and Brandi. God Bless Risha atleast shes in a better place. I dont think anyone in this case told the whole truth. I love Jay with all my heart but he didnt help himself at all. As for Brandi she should get the same conviction. I pray for Jay everyday, hes not the monster that this made him out to be!!
lizzyp13 (E. Hall) says…
Again, I'm going to say...none of you know Brandi, her family, and what they're capable of. Also, those who've never sinned may throw the first stone. I will live the rest of my life knowing that Jay did not do this, that she's out of Brandi's reach now and their other child too, that this is not fair but life hardly ever is, and that a good family will stick together no matter what. I will live my life as a continuation to make him proud of me because it's the least I can do since he was never given a chance from the start. I'm so sorry that this happened--all of it.
sublime (anonymous) says…
Correction-(danielle)-Jay IS a monster! If Jay were innocent and Brandi was the only one hurting that child,then he should have turned her in or put her(brandis) head through the wall.Thats not what he did.He murdered his own child.I don't have to know Brandi(lizzyp13),I do know that she is a monster as well.They both are.They both need to be beaten severely.
Bodan (Sandra Willis) says…
I would say, that if the damage to the wall was while he was holding the child. He was either drunk or stoned, maybe both.
Jay is a monster, but so is Brandi, the child's mother.
lizzyp13 (E. Hall) says…
I'm sorry that those are your beliefs. I'm praying for you.
Calliope877 (anonymous) says…
It's unfortunate such a thing could happen to a poor little baby, but unfortunately this type of domestic violence to children is very common, and it's also unfortunate that the relatives and friends of offenders always choose to live in complete denial that their friend or relative could be capable of doing something so terrible. I guess that's typical for human grief.:(
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Risha during this very difficult time.
danielle (anonymous) says…
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and so am I so you can think what you want about Jay but you didnt walk in his footsteps and know nothing of his life. I never said that Jay wasnt wrong I just said he wasnt a monster! And hes not. Im sorry if you think he is but thats your opinion.
lizzyp13 (E. Hall) says…
I feel sorry for those of you who judge w/o knowing the truth. Do you really expect a newspaper to lay out everything that went into this case? They feed you what you want to hear. A child died, the father was there, a child's death could never be an accident, he was there, so it was him. The newspaper and the prosecution painted what everyone hurriedly wants to believe, but if only people would do their jobs and investigate the past happenings, everyone involved, and every angle then things would be different. I guess I used to live in a perfect world, one that a lawyer, the judge, and the police wouldn't stop until every angle and tiniest possibilty had been covered in search of the truth. That's no longer true and it hurts me so badly inside to see this happen...
danielle (anonymous) says…
I would call people who purposely kill babies monsters. I already said that he was wrong in somethings he did. There are alot of lies in this case but theres nothing that can be done now. Trust me I see the way everybody thinks, I see why you would think he was a monster but you are on the outside looking in. He was judged and convicted by the court and I think thats enough. We choose the path our lifes take and Jay chose his. It all could have been so different. Atleast Risha is in a better place. No matter what happened in the days leading up to her death, no child should have this happen to them. I love Jay and will be on his side til I die. Family sticks together no matter what and Jay has already lost to much. So you go on and think what you want its your opinion.
janeb (anonymous) says…
The Justice system is not devised to evaluate family issues which led up to a crime.
The Justice Sytem is not set up to counsel or assist in vindication for the reaction of the accused to external stimuli.
The Justice System is devised to to determine if the accused beyond a resonable doubt is guilty of the crime at hand based on the evidence presented.
Jay Decker was found Guilty by a Jury of 12 unrelated people who weighhed the evidence presented based on Jay's connection too the crime at hand.
The Mother will have her day in Court and while she will recieve consideration based on the charges set forth in exchange for her testamony in the first hearing. She will not walk away unscathed.
My understanding is her other Child was removed from her custody. She may or may not ever get that child back. Then of course there is a higher Justice in which she must face as well.
Next if we are to entertain the extended family and their ideas about all the midigating circumstances on the part of the Mother then we too must look at the previous actions of the Father.
If indeed Jay Decker knew Brandi H. was abusing the Child(ren) then why the hell did he not call someone. He had many choices in action for at least 5 months time. There is the Police, the SRS, Edgewood homes has a main office and a Resident Service office; both with phones and there is a rent a cop security patrol within the complex.
Any one or all of then could have been notified of a problem within the home by Jay or the Mother.
Finally all of the careing relatives that are Posting and speaking out. Where the hell were you? You all seem to know so much about the day to day abuse of the past. Did you protect Risha? The answer is obvious.
There is no defense or justification for killing a helpless child or animal. Nor can anyone justify knowing about the abuse and doing nothing. It's just sick no matter how you look at it.
The sickness is not limited to Jay and Brandi.
gr (anonymous) says…
Isn't abortion legal?
Calliope877 (anonymous) says…
Posted by lizzyp13 (anonymous) on November 20, 2006 at 1:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I feel sorry for those of you who judge w/o knowing the truth. Do you really expect a newspaper to lay out everything that went into this case? They feed you what you want to hear. A child died, the father was there, a child's death could never be an accident, he was there, so it was him. The newspaper and the prosecution painted what everyone hurriedly wants to believe, but if only people would do their jobs and investigate the past happenings, everyone involved, and every angle then things would be different. I guess I used to live in a perfect world, one that a lawyer, the judge, and the police wouldn't stop until every angle and tiniest possibilty had been covered in search of the truth. That's no longer true and it hurts me so badly inside to see this happen..."
lizzy - Are you suggesting that this is all a conspiracy?
gr (anonymous) says…
"gr yes it is but this was murder keep your stupid thoughts to yourself"
WOW! such outrage. Just asked a simple question. It seems to me that some don't like to be confronted.
Under one condition, killing a child, beating their brains out, hurting a child, garners outrage. Under another condition, killing a child, beating their brains out, hurting a child, garners "women's rights".
Doesn't anyone see the hypocrisy. What is special about the one condition that makes it ok?
pagan_idolator (anonymous) says…
Don't know all the details - no one probably does. I will say that over 30 bruises on a 5 month old child has only one answer - abuse. If she would have been a walking toddler who falls every now and then or an older child who feels the necessity to rip through the house at 80 miles an hour knocking into every thing in the room, 30 bruises is still too many. How the he!! can you bring yourself to shake or hit or throw an infant? Or watch someone else do it? Yeah Danielle and Lizzy I know he's your relative. Not very easy to stop loving someone. I just want you to understand the reason people feel outrage over this incident. Please parents if you are losing it with your children get help. Better they be in foster care than the ground.
danielle (anonymous) says…
Well janeb if its really any of your business I was busy with a child of my own. I agree with some of what you said. Jay or Brandi should have reported it, others in the family should have. I wasnt around so I had no clue, I already said that I have no idea what happened for sure but the Jay I know/knew, isnt/wasnt capable of hurting a child.
Pagan_isolator, trust me I understand the reason they feel that way, I would probably think the same if it wasnt someone I knew. Hes already been judged by his peers so thats that i guess.
It just sucks having something like this happen to your family. It sucks for everyone including Jay and Brandi. Not that they deserve sympathy. I am actually very upset with Jay for all of this but hes going to be punished enough here soon. Im sorry, hes family and
im on his side.
Calliope877 (anonymous) says…
I can only imagine what it would be like to know or be related to someone who was found guilty of such a terrible crime. And I hope I never have to go through what this family is going through.
danielle -
I understand the loyalty you have towards your friend, but has it crossed your mind that sometimes people change, and sometimes they change for the worse? Has it ever crossed you mind that maybe his anger and frustration got the better of him?
Calliope877 (anonymous) says…
lizzy --
I feel sorry for people who are so blinded by love that they cannot accept the truth, and I hope I sincerely hope I'm never one of those people. I think Jay was given a fair trial, and I think eventually Brandi will find her day in court and be given a fair trial as well.
I pray that you'll finally accept the truth as to what happened, and I also pray that you will always keep Risha close to your heart because she needs to have that reserved place in order for you to grieve. :(
lizzyp13 (E. Hall) says…
All I can say is that b/c of things that happened I was not allowed to be around Brandi and since Jay was so in love w/ her it meant that for a long time I was not allowed to be around him either. I'm not blinded at all, I'm just not going to sit here and let everyone write crap on him when none of you were sitting there, none of you know the past or anything. He's an idiot, he had a crap life handed to him, and he made some really bad decisions like choosing to be w/ evil Brandi. No one could get it through his head that she was so wrong in so many things. She controlled him and all that he did.
A conspiracy by the courts no, by Brandi I'm not putting it past her. She hated Jay and hated Risha b/c she looked like him where as the older child resembled her. She's that messed up.
I'm not blinded by love at all, I know the facts, I witnessed her, but I was never around the home b/c of what Brandi had done to my part of the family. I wasn't hurt as a child by him, and as weird as it may sound for me saying--Brandi had the hand in abuse, but Jay had a hand in being a father who was ready in his heart but not physically.
This is my last post, I'm done. I don't regret ever getting on, but I don't need any prayers-leave those for Brandi and Risha's memory.
If you ever wonder anything just click my name and read all of my other posts b/c unlike most of you I've stuck with the case, and I just don't comment because its the latest news. I've stayed constant the entire time.
Like I've said, it's easy to just say he did it. But I guess that's life.
Just let it rest...it's done and he's getting prison time. It's not fair that she died, it's not fair that Brandi is so mean, it's not fair that he is solely being blamed for this.
I can see child endangerment or neglect but first degree murder never. Brandi had the upper-hand in this and their relationship.
Like I said, read the older articles, read my and other's posts and see for yourself. I just caution that a newspaper no matter what will never have the capability to be in the room when the event took place, even if that's what they want the reader to believe. There are so many things said or not said that is not here, but again I guess that's life.
I guess I've been trying to save the world the whole time with writing "the other side of the story" but I'm done. I have not been defeated, I have grown wiser, and I'm moving on with the knowledge of the truth and comfort that both children are safe from Brandi.
Like always, those who've never sinned may go ahead and throw the first stone.
crazyks (anonymous) says…
And exactly how is a man so blinded by love, and so intimidated, that he could let his own child get beaten by her mother and do absolutely nothing to stop it...if that is what happened.
There is no excuse here. He either engaged in the abuse himself, or he witnessed abuse and did nothing. When a child is involved, neither is acceptable.
Just because she may be guilty of abuse as well doesn't make him any less guilty.
What are you trying to say, lizzy? That he could say "well, she started it", and that would make everything okay?
Do I think her mother is guilty of abuse as well? I sure do. But it still doesn't absolve him of guilt.
comgetsom (anonymous) says…
K for all the people that think the stupid *** is so innocent then go to hell. Jay Decker was a worthless piece of ****. When his first daughter was born he was no where to be found he said " shes not mine" his mom said "shell be retarted and that shes not jays" When Risha was born he was no where to be found in fact i do recall he was hooked up with another girl while brandi was in the hospital. Jay is a monster but not something to fear cause its hard to fear someone who can only pick on innocent little girls who can't fight back. Who so ever thinks he is so innocent then u tell me what Sperm donner in their right mind would KILL their 5 month old daughter? It takes a real man to be a father Jay is not a father and he never will be. Family is suppose to be there through out from the start not just pop in and out as they see fit. So u say Family Sticks together well thats a sorry excuse for a family. He was not in their lives long enough to be a family. The ones that are suffering is the ones that everyone should feel for not the dumb **** that KILLED an innocent baby!!!! My Vote is to let him fry.....or let the Family have at him...