CATAWBA COUNTY, NC — Whitney Weathers, 25, pleaded guilty as charged on Friday to multiple counts of child abuse involving her two children, one of which was killed.
Superior Court Judge Lisa Bell sentenced Weathers to three to eight years after she pleaded guilty as charged to one count of Child Abuse Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury and four counts of Child Abuse Inflicting Serious Physical Injury.
Officials say that from February to May 2013 Weathers allowed a co-defendant to ‘administer inappropriate forms of discipline’ on her then 3-year-old daughter and 20-month-old son. Weathers also admitted to securing the children in car seats and putting them in closets.
Investigators say evidence did show that the children were neglected and abused, and had burns and severe bruising consistent with physical abuse on their bodies.
The co-defendant was also charged with murder in connection to the death of the 20-month-old son.
Judge Bell said during Friday’s hearing, “I’ve been on the bench since 1998, and this is one of the most difficult cases I’ve heard. I can’t even begin to fathom the loss.”
Weather’s also issued an apology in open court saying, “I’m sorry for failing you all and my kids, and making bad choices.”
