Mother Of Dead Kalamazoo Infant Sentenced To Up To 15 Years In Prison

A little over two years after a Kalamazoo infant passed away, her mother is headed to prison.

MLive reports that on Tuesday, 23-year-old Tekia Wright was sentenced in Kalamazoo County Court to up to 15 years in state prison for her daughter’s death. Prosecutors say that 11-month-old Gabrielle Wright was found dead in June of 2014, after her mother left her alone for several hours while she went out.

The child was described as dehydrated and suffering skin problems, although an exact cause of death couldn’t be determined medical examiners.

Tekia Wright pleaded guilty last month to involuntary manslaughter, and as a result charges of second degree child abuse were dropped.

Her defense had asked for a shorter sentence of one year in County Jail with community service, but Wright will be spending at least 28 months in the state system.