Western Mass. couple found guilty of manslaughter in death of foster child

"The child should be celebrating his seventh birthday next month. Instead, he died at just ten months old because the defendants, his foster parents, failed to seek medical treatment despite clear and obvious signs that he needed care. As special prosecutors assigned to this case, we felt a duty to see the matter through and ensure accountability."

"Evidence presented during the six-day trial showed that the defendants ignored 'clear and obvious signs' that the child needed medical treatment, resulting in his death. A medical examiner determined that the child died from complications of a strep infection, bronchopneumonia, and empyema, which are 'routinely treatable with timely medical care.'"

Matthew Tucker and Cassandra Barlow-Tucker were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and reckless child endangerment in Berkshire County Superior Court for the death of their 10-month-old foster child in February 2020. Evidence presented during the six-day trial demonstrated that the defendants ignored clear and obvious signs that the child required medical treatment. A medical examiner determined the child died from complications of strep infection, bronchopneumonia, and empyema—conditions that are routinely treatable with timely medical care. The Northwestern District Attorney's Office oversaw the case due to a conflict of interest, with special prosecutors Andrew Covington and Stephanie Jimenez handling the matter. The couple faces sentencing on March 19, with potential sentences of up to 20 years for manslaughter and up to two-and-a-half years for child endangerment.

Read at Boston.com