Woman Sentenced for Beating Kids With Bat, Broom

A Springfield, Massachusetts, woman prosecutors say beat three of her children with a broom and a bat has been sentenced to three years in jail.

The Republican reports that Jessica Martinez-Zayas was also sentenced Monday to five years of probation. She pleaded guilty in August to charges including assault and battery on a child with bodily injury.

Authorities started investigating in August 2014 when her 9-year-old son was taken to the hospital with a deep cut on his chin.

The 39-year-old Martinez-Zayas told investigates she beat her children ages 8, 9 and 11 with a bat, belts, sandals and other objects. She also threatened to kill an 18-year-old daughter.

Her lawyer says Martinez-Zayas has mental health issues and none of the children wanted their mother sent to jail.