JURY DELIBERATES 3 HOURS
Mom Not Guilty
In Twins’ Deaths
By LIBBY CUDMORE • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com
COOPERSTOWN – In just over three hours, a jury found Kimberly Steeley, 27, Decatur, not guilty in the June 2018 deaths of her infant twins, Bonde and Liam.
Steeley’s attorney, Andrew Van Buren, made the case that the babies died of SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – in part, because they had come home from the hospital too soon. Both babies were preemies; Bonde, was just over 4 pounds when she died, and that Liam, who died 11 days later, was 5.14 pounds.
On Friday, March 6, Steeley testified that although she did fall asleep in bed with both of them on the nights they died, at no point was her body, bedding or clothing obstructing their airways.
District Attorney John Muehl argued that Steeley was told not to co-sleep, and presented evidence that she was using drugs during her pregnancy and after the twins were born.
“Although I disagree, I respect the jury’s decision,” he said after the verdict was announced. “It was a difficult case, but given that there were two deceased children, it was a case that had to be tried.”
Van Buren and Steeley both declined to comment after the proceedings.
anything abt being under the influence of drugs while pregnant? I honestly don’t know if that would cause SIDS?? or what it would have caused if anything?
I feel so bad for Kimberly Steeley who had to go thru this. What about the idiot Ex, who lied in court, because he GOT arrested for drugs and god knows what. Everyone could see he was lying. He was stalking that poor woman and I bet thats not the first time. He should be in jail for a long time.
I believe that there was a mom who didn’t have the tool and knowledge to make the struggle in bearing children safest. I don’t doubt love or don’t believe malintent are negative factors in the outcome. My heart hurts for you all
GOD ONLY KNOWS …, Beautiful song too! My Heart goes out to Kim an her twins. 💕