BOSTON, MA (WBZ-AM) -- A Boston woman will spend 9-12 years in prison in the beating death of her 3-year-old stepson.
Maria Buie pleaded guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter. she previously pleaded “not guilty” to second-degree murder, a charge with carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Prosecutors say she was with her 3-year old stepson Kenai Whyte on January 2016, when she beat him, causing retinal bleeding, contusions, and a fractured vertebrae.
He died days later of blunt force trauma. Whyte’s biological mother, Ashley Young, told Buie she could never forgive her for what she’s done.
Buie did not address the victim’s relatives in court. However her attorney said she’s emotional and “filled with remorse,” making a plea for a lesser sentence.
WBZ NewsRadio1030’s Bernice Corpuz reports.