A Florida grandmother accused of driving drunk and killing her 10-month-old grandchild doesn’t want to spend more than four years behind bars. She has been out on bond since last March.
In a virtual court hearing on Tuesday, the 52-year-old grandmother, Helen Mention, of Tampa, passed on a plea deal offered by Prosecutor Christine Brown, who said the deal included fifteen years in prison followed by two years of community control and three years of drug offenders probation, Fox35 reported.
Mention wanted a much lighter sentence of four years behind bars, she suggested after pleading guilty in court. The judge, however, will decide her fate.
In October 2019, Mention was driving under the influence of alcohol when she hit a guard rail on Mango Road near the westbound entrance of I-4. Prosecutors said baby Harlem, who was sitting on her lap, was crushed to death.
Regarding Mention’s sentence request, Tampa Judge Barbara Twine-Thomas didn’t give her a number, but more like a range.
“I’m not convinced that four years would be appropriate, and I’m equally not convinced that 15 years is required under the circumstances,” said Twine-Thomas.
Mention is charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and DUI manslaughter. Her next court date is set for August 17.
