Vermont

Mother of Slain Child: 13-Year-Sentence an ‘Insult'

The mother of a 2-year-old girl whose death spurred changes in Vermont's child protection system says the 13-year-sentence the girl's stepfather was given is a "downright insult" to the memory of her daughter. 

The Rutland Herald reports that Sandra Eastman spoke in court Tuesday at the sentencing of Dennis Duby, who pleaded guilty in May to a charge of second degree murder in the February 2014 death of Dezirae Sheldon, of Poultney. 

At the time of Dezirae's death Eastman was married to the now 35-year-old Duby. They have since divorced. 

Duby said he would never forgive himself for his actions. 

Dezirae's death and that of another child two months later helped bring changes to Vermont's child protection system, including increased staffing levels.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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