Cynthia Baker has been found guilty of first-degree murder and other child abuse charges for the death of 8-year-old Rica Roundtree. The child, who was Baker’s boyfriend’s daughter, suffered intestinal perforation after Baker kicked her in the stomach. Rica suffered for up to five days before she was finally taken to the hospital where she died on January 26.
Due to her wounds, Rica had been vomiting, fell down, and said she could no longer see before she was finally rushed to the hospital, the Pantagraph reported.
Forensic pathologist Dr. John Denton later discovered that she had more than 50 marks on her body caused by child abuse. After Baker was arrested, detectives found video footage of three other acts of abuse she had inflicted on Rica in 2018. The abuse included striking different parts of the girl’s body, hitting her head against walls, kneeing her in the back and more.
One heart-wrenching video showed Rica naked and struggling to hold cans in her hands, while her arms were wide apart in a painful stretching position. During the “discipline” method Baker could be heard mocking the girl and telling her to keep her arms straight. Baker can be heard saying, “Cold, aren’t you? Good.” She later asked Rica if she should put a collar on her.
Baker was found guilty of first-degree murder by a jury and could now face life in prison at her sentencing hearing on February 3.
She was also convicted of aggravated battery, three counts of domestic battery, and endangering the life of a child.
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