KINGMAN – It took a half dozen tries, but a Lake Havasu City woman charged in the death of her toddler daughter has finally entered a plea agreement. Brittany Rodriquez, 27, pleaded guilty Wednesday (June 17) after balking at change of plea hearings conducted on March 19 and June 10.
Judge Billy Sipe noted that no fewer than six change of plea hearings had been scheduled on Rodriquez’ behalf while her case has been pending. Sipe put attorneys on notice that he will reject the agreement unless they convince him that the reduction in charges and punishment is appropriate.
Terms of the proposed plea agreement dismiss a first-degree murder charge in exchange for Rodriquez’ conviction for attempted child abuse. She could get as little as five years or up to ten years in prison if Judge Sipe accepts the deal during hearings scheduled August 7.
Co-defendant Andrew Lamorie, 24, has pled guilty to second-degree murder. He faces a 10 to 16-year prison term if Judge Sipe accepts his plea agreement during a June 26 sentencing hearing.
An autopsy concluded that Gabriella Lamorie died of blunt force trauma and severe malnutrition. She weighed just 17 pounds at 27-months of age when she died in January 2018.
Rodriquez’ lawyer Ron Gilleo told Judge Sipe that family members have confirmed that Lamorie was abusive toward Rodriquez and their daughter. He said his client failed to flee the relationship and take other steps to protect Gabriella.
Judge Sipe said he is also concerned about the starvation aspect and baby care components of the case. Lamorie’s lawyer Robin Puchek previously told the Court that both parents didn’t believe in doctors and that Gabriella hadn’t had any sort of a medical checkup in the 15 months preceding her death.
- Dave Hawkins
