Woman Found Guilty Of Child Abuse

After just a few hours of deliberations, the jury has reached a verdict in a trial against a woman accused of trying to kill a toddler.

Mary Hosley was found not guilty on Friday of attempted murder and guilty of child abuse resulting in serious injury. Horsely was also found guilty of abusing two other children who were family members. She faces between 20 and 48 years in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 29th.

Horsley faced charges related to the abuse of 20-month-old Alexis Salaz last April. The mother of the child, 19-year-old Samantha Salaz, called 911 to say her daughter fell into the toilet. When emergency workers arrived, the child had no pulse. She was later revived by doctors at Memorial Hospital. Her father has custody of the baby, and we’re told that, despite a brain injury, Alexis is able to sit up, she knows her name and can given speak some words.

Samantha Salaz pleaded guilty to child abuse as part of a plea deal and agreed to testify against Horsley, her aunt.

Salaz was sentenced to 24 years minus time served in September.

According to police testimony given at the pretrial, it is a case of severe child abuse. Officers say the toddler had been bound in tape and placed in a cold shower three times as punishment for spilling a drink.

Officers say Horsley also has a history of abusing the child, dropping her twice on her head and hitting her with a belt.