Terry McKirchy, a former babysitter, pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the death of Benjamin Dowling, a man she was accused of injuring as an infant in 1984. Dowling died at 35 after a life of severe disabilities caused by a brain hemorrhage he suffered while in McKirchy’s care at just 5 months old. McKirchy initially denied harming him but finally admitted to hitting him numerous times during a plea deal. She was sentenced to three years in prison. Dowling’s parents expressed relief that McKirchy admitted to hurting their son, but acknowledge that nothing can bring him back or change the life he would have had if he hadn’t been injured. McKirchy wrote an apology letter expressing remorse for her actions, attributing the incident to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted while caring for multiple children. Despite her confession, McKirchy showed no emotion during the hearing, which included emotional tributes to Dowling’s short life. McKirchy previously pleaded no contest to attempted murder in 1985, receiving a lenient sentence due to being pregnant. It took three years for McKirchy’s recent indictment for first-degree murder, with her finally entering jail voluntarily after a plea deal was close to being finalized. Prosecutors attribute her previous light sentence to the different circumstances of the time. The Dowling family has been deeply impacted by Benjamin’s injuries and eventual death, with his presence leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
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Babysitter admits guilt in manslaughter of man she harmed as a baby in 1984
