LOS ANGELES – A state appeals court panel upheld the conviction of a Palmdale woman who told investigators that a 24-pound French bulldog had caused the injuries that resulted in the death of a nearly 5-month-old boy who was left in her care.
The three-justice panel rejected the defense’s contention that there were errors in the trial and sentencing of Brittany Ann Ingrassi, who is serving a 25-year-to-life term in state prison.
Ingrassi was convicted in May 2017 of second-degree murder, assault on a child causing death, assault on a child becoming comatose and child abuse. Jurors also found true allegations that Ingrassi personally inflicted great bodily injury on the boy and that he was under the age of 5.
Ingrassi’s trial attorney, Nancy Mazza, contended that the injuries to Aiden Lopez were caused by a French bulldog owned by the baby’s family.
“We firmly believe the injuries came from the dog,” Mazza said after the verdict. “I respect the jury’s verdict, but we will appeal.”
The baby was left under Ingrassi’s care at his Lancaster home the morning of March 22, 2016. His mother returned that evening and was met by Ingrassi outside the home and made aware that the baby was not breathing, according to trial testimony.
The mother called 911, and her son — who had suffered skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury — was taken to a local hospital, where he died four days later, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The appellate court justices noted in their ruling Monday that Ingrassi told Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies that she left the boy on a baby mat while she used the restroom, heard him cry and saw the dog next to the boy when she came out of the restroom.
“Ingrassi repeatedly screamed, without the officers asking her any questions, ‘The dog did it,”‘ according to the ruling.
The woman — who had a blood-alcohol content of 0.10 percent six hours after her arrest — initially claimed that the dog must have jumped on the boy, while she later said she may have “fumbled” and fallen while holding the baby, that she may have picked him up “too hard” or that he may have hit his head on the door, the justices noted in the ruling.
Previous related stories:
Babysitter gets 25-year-to-life term for baby’s death
Palmdale babysitter found guilty of killing baby
Babysitter pleads not guilty in baby’s death
Murder charge filed against babysitter accused of injuring baby in Lancaster
Infant dies after head trauma, babysitter in custody
–
Kiki says
Shouldn’t of been drunk wile caring for someone else’s baby
Tina says
Several years ago Reader’s Digest, (which is an international publication) ran an article about child abuse/death in the USA. In the article the good old Antelope Valley of southern CA was named as having the distinction of being the “Child Abuse Capitol” in AMERICA! Just another reason to run, don’t walk to get the hell out of the AV!
Me says
Tina, things happen everywhere . You cannot blame the AV for this disgusting alcoholic woman’s actions . She killed the baby not the AV but go on and get out please.
Mike says
Tina, you sound like another miserable Trump supporter. Just go move to your paradise in Arizona or Arkansas and leave us be.
William says
@Mike
All Trump supporters are miserable. They got a meager tax cut and foolishly spent it on the movies, Burger King, gas for a big truck/SUV and other “necessities” of life.
Watch. Trump will promise another tax cut before the election like he did last time and it didn’t happen. But, as usual he conned the suckers again.
Ask Steve Knight how that turned out.
Republicans have left the party in droves and many aren’t running for re-election in Congress next year.
Impeachment has begun and things are looking up for the country.
Bill of Writes says
You’re mistaken sir. I spent my measly little $300 tax cut on a computer that I use here to make YOU miserable, and that makes ME happy (just kidding).
Seriously, we’re going to retire Katie Hill cause she supports impeachment, which might turn out to be the biggest mistake your side has made since…..2016.
Get ready for Hillary’s Resurrection.
AV says
I didn’t spend my tax cut on anything, just straight into the bank. #Trump
Gowchong says
I didn’t get a tax cut. What is a tax cut? I actually had to pay more taxes on my retirement income.
Bill of Writes says
I’ve never heard anyone equate Arkansas with paradise before !
You inclusive, tolerant socialist guys always whine: “If you don’t like, it just leave”. Tell Ilhan Omar that, a$$w!pe. If we win in 2020, you can gladly go too!
MAGA, KAG, GFY
Trummmmp says
I support Trump and choose to live in the AV. Hahaha.
French Bulldog says
I really hope Brit enjoys her new nest.