Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Couple found guilty in death of 3-day-old daughter

Ashley and Albert Debelbot, accused of causing the death of their 3-day-old child, were convicted of murder and cruelty to children Thursday.

Jurors returned after three hours of deliberations and found both Debelbots responsible for the June 2008 death of their daughter, Mc-Kenzy. Muscogee County Superior Court Judge Doug Pullen sentenced both to life in prison.

“Justice was served for baby McKenzy,” said Assistant District Attorney Sadhana Dailey.

Testimony in the three-day trial revealed that the Debelbots took McKenzy to Martin Army Community Hospital when they discovered a lump on her head. She died at the hospital, and a medical examiner on Tuesday testified that her head injuries were consistent with being crushed.

As soon as the guilty verdicts were read, Ashley Debelbot began sobbing and wailing, said defense attorney Bill Mason, who represents her husband.

Mason said he was disappointed in the verdict.

“My client turned to me and said, ‘Mr. Mason, I didn’t do it,’” Mason said. “I said, we’ll start working on his appeal.”