Mass. couple sentenced to prison for manslaughter in death of infant foster child

""No sentence can undo the loss of this child. This was an avoidable and deeply tragic case," Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the consequences of the couple's actions."

""The foster child died while in the couple's custody in February 2020 after they ignored 'clear and obvious signs' that he needed medical treatment," according to the DA's office, highlighting the neglect that led to the child's death."

""Due to this neglect, he died from complications of a strep infection, bronchopneumonia, and empyema, all of which are 'routinely treatable with timely medical care,'" illustrating the preventable nature of the tragedy."

""A Superior Court judge initially dismissed the charges due to a lack of sufficient evidence, but the state's Supreme Judicial Court determined that the judge had 'erred' by incorrectly applying legal precedent in his decision," showing the legal complexities involved in the case."

Matthew Tucker and Cassandra Barlow-Tucker were sentenced to three to five years in prison for manslaughter related to the death of their 10-month-old foster child. The child died from neglect, as the couple ignored clear signs of medical distress. The court imposed staggered sentences due to their four other children. Both will serve probation after prison and are barred from future caregiving roles. Initial charges were dismissed but later reinstated by the state's Supreme Judicial Court, which found errors in the previous judge's decision.

Read at Boston.com