Obese woman jailed after sitting on girl and smothering her to death
An obese woman has been sentenced to life in prison for killing her nine-year-old cousin by sitting on her.
Veronica Green Posey, 66, of Florida was found guilty of first-degree murder following the death of Dericka Lindsay in October, 2017, Pensacola News Journal reports.
The court heard Dericka suffered a horrific beating from her adoptive parents James and Grace Smith along with Posey.
Posey, who weighs 145 kilograms sat on Dericka as a form of punishment for more than five minutes. It deprived her of oxygen, killing her.
The court was told by Assistant State Attorney Amy Shea that on the day of Dericka’s death Posey was woken by a phone call from the girl’s mum.
Ms Shea said Posey went over to the Smith home with a ruler and a thin pipe to whip Dericka.
Dericka was forced to kneel down on her chest on the seat of an arm chair and Posey sat on her back.
Posey called emergency services after realising Dericka had stopped breathing. Her lawyer said she didn’t intend on hurting the girl but was trying to help her adoptive parents.
On Friday, she was sentenced to life in prison.
Dericka’s adoptive father is serving 10 years for his role in her death.
Grace Smith still faces charges but is currently mentally and physically unfit to stand trial.
– with Associated Press
Do you know more or have a story tip? Email: y7newsroom@yahoo7.com.au.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo7’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.
