An Oro Valley babysitter, Jennifer Suzanne Taylor, faced a Pima County Superior Cour judge Monday afternoon. She was sentenced for one count of child abuse.
Superior Court judge handed Jennifer Suzanne Taylor with 1 yr. in Prison and 20 yrs probation for child abuse of 10-month-old Jozlynn Cota pic.twitter.com/FESUgF79l7
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) May 1, 2017
Taylor was sentenced for one count of child abuse.
Taylor pleaded guilty to shaking 10-month-old, Jozlynn Cota. She left the infant with a fractured skull and other serious injuries in November 2015.
At the sentencing, Taylor addressed the courtroom and apologized for her actions.
"They trusted me with their child, and I broke that trust. I was supposed to be her godmother," said Taylor with tears in her eyes.
"This is someone you trusted your child with and to have what happened, happen is just horrible," said Judge Kenneth Lee before giving Taylor her sentence.
Taylor was sentenced to one year in jail and 20 years probation.
According to Prosecutors, Taylor became frustrated with Jozlynn when she wouldn't eat her food.
Court documents show that Taylor admitted to shaking the baby at least three to four times -- causing the baby to hit her head on a chair.
Prosecutors say Taylor called authorities nearly 30 minutes after the incident when the baby became unresponsive and began wheezing.
"Jozlynn was the first child I have ever had to leave with anyone so for this to happen," said Articia Gonzalez, mother of 10-month-old.
I'll have more on the reaction from the parents of Jozlynn Cota. They say, they can now move forward. Story on @kgun9 5 and 6 pic.twitter.com/xO3nnftCQn
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) May 1, 2017
The defense says that Taylor was under severe emotional and financial stress at the time of the crime.
The family of the victim tells KGUN 9 they are relieved that this chapter is over and they can move on.
"Things can truly start getting better and healing for us," says Gonzalez.
According to Gonzalez, her daughter is now 2-years old and doing well.
