The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
Michelle Betancourt was sentenced on Tuesday for stabbing her three year old son during a domestic dispute with the child’s father.
In May 2015, Michelle Betancourt of Los Angeles and her child’s father got into a heated argument. The twenty-three year old woman lost control and threw a knife at the man, but it hit her child instead. Neighbors reported terrifying screaming and crying and a woman yelling something about “a lot of blood.” Neighbors saw Betancourt running down the driveway, holding the wounded boy, while screaming hysterically. The boy’s father initially claimed that the boy had stabbed himself.
The boy’s injuries were life-threatening, but he did recover. Betancourt was arrested and charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and personal infliction of great bodily injury. Although police originally claimed the assault was intentional, after thoroughly reviewing the case prosecutors decided they could not file attempted murder charges. Attempted murder requires the specific intent to murder, whereas Betancourt acted wantonly and recklessly. Her attorney insists that she did not intend to harm her child.
According to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, Michelle Betancourt plead no contest to one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon and a great bodily injury enhancement. A second assault with a deadly weapon charge against her was dropped as part of a plea deal. She was sentenced to six years in state prison. She was originally facing eleven years.
Deputy District Attorney Aceves said the incident “was a tragedy that took place, but, it was also a crime.” He agreed that “it was a strong punishment.”
If you or a loved one are suspected of assault with a deadly weapon, great bodily injury or child abuse or neglect charges, call Orange County criminal defense attorney Staycie R. Sena at (949)477-8088 for a consultation now.