Bunnell sentenced in toddler's death

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI/AP) -  

A woman convicted of beating her 3-year-old nephew to death has been sentenced to life in prison in Providence.

A jury convicted Katherine Bunnell, 25, of Woonsocket in May for the 2004 beating death of Thomas "T.J." Wright, who was living with her in foster care because his mother was in prison.

Bunnell also was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a separate murder conspiracy charge. She could be eligible for parole in about 25 years.

"Almost four years have passed since this horrific act of murder occurred, yet the repugnance we all feel about the senselessness of the killing of an innocent toddler has not faded away," said RI Attorney General Patrick Lynch. "We also recognize that today's sentencing merely brings the legal case to a close; it can't bring TJ Wright back, and he will be mourned forever."

Bunnell apologized on Monday before she was sentenced. She said she took responsibility for the child's death but denied giving the fatal blows.

Prosecutors said Bunnell and her live-in boyfriend, Gilbert Delestre, beat the child after returning home and finding a mess in their living room. Delestre has been separately charged and is awaiting trial.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)