Parents of Baby Left Alone in Car Seat for 8 Days Face Murder Charges

Associated Press via FoxNews.com ^ | February 21,2008

[Kaslin]

PEORIA, Ill. — A central Illinois couple faces first-degree murder charges in the death of their 5-month-old baby, who was found unresponsive in a car seat that had been placed in a crib.

Both Tracey Hermann, 21, and James Sargent, 23, appeared Wednesday in Peoria County Circuit Court in the death of Benjamin Sargent.

The charges state the parents' actions or lack thereof, were "brutal and heinous . . . indicative of wanton cruelty," factors that could mean they face up to 100 years in prison if convicted.

The 5-month-old was dropped off at his parents' house on Feb. 4, strapped into his car seat. Eight days later, he was found in the same position, said Peoria County State's Attorney Kevin Lyons during a bond hearing for the parents.

"He died from starvation due to neglect from these two defendants, his parents," Lyons said. "It's the worst case of child neglect we have seen since the turn of this century."

[swmobuffalo]

Oh and “who” dropped the baby off at the house?

[Mountain Troll]

I’m thinking more along the lines of the bottom of a cave or abandoned mine, myself. Execution and burial at once.

[knarf]

It took 17 replies before justice was suggested.

Shame on us.

[Brian S. Fitzgerald]

The following case has been reopened given introduction of new evidence:

Neanderthal-Human Hybrid 'A Myth'

[Brian S. Fitzgerald]

[dougherty]

I’d like to see these two animals receive the death penalty for this crime. I have a nine month old who is the light of my life, I cannot imagine how someone could be so cruel and heartless to something as innocent and precious as a baby.

[Kaslin]

They probably just ignored him.

[freeangel]

“receive the death penalty”

I’d like to see them strapped to a chair until they expire. THEY didn’t think it was cruel OR unusual.

[A_perfect_lady]

I’m thinking a nice, dark oubliette would satisfy me.

[Fiddlstix]

Comment Censored

[getarope]

Put them in the general prison population and have them answer the question, “Can you squeal like a pig?”

[gitmo]

During the eight days the baby was strapped in the seat, both Hermann and Sargent were home, "playing video games, watching TV, feeding and caring for themselves," Lyons said.

Everything I have wanted to type had to be self-censored.

[Titan Magroyne]

I’m thinking a nice, dark oubliette would satisfy me. I second that motion with an um enhancement: That said oubiliette be constructed in such a manner that our two charming "parents" may view and hear free, normal people going about their daily business, completely oblivious to the suffering of 2 souless murderers. Until the moments of their deaths by dehydration, they must be aware of lives being lead all around them.

Bonus points for "smellovision." If they catch the aroma of people walking by with coffee, burgers and other food, it's all to the good.

[A_perfect_lady]

Everything I have wanted to type had to be self-censored.

Me too. The rage that comes over me is almost debilitating. I could be monstrous, and I'd like to have the chance.

[Joe 6-pack]

I like the way you think.

[BlackVeil]

They should have got a court order from that judge and made it legal. Terry Schiavo died like that infant. A very tough way to go.