Man sentenced for killing pregnant woman and her unborn baby- In a tragic case that has garnered national attention, a man has been sentenced for the murder of a pregnant woman and her unborn child, marking significant legal milestones in both New Hampshire and Maryland.
In New Hampshire, William Kelly, 28, was charged with the first-time murder of a fetus in the state, following the death of Christine Falzone, 33, who was about 35 to 37 weeks pregnant at the time of her death in December.
Kelly was indicted on two counts of second-degree murder, accused of causing the deaths of Falzone and her fetus through multiple blunt force injuries. This case is notable as it represents the first time in New Hampshire that someone has been charged with murder in the death of a fetus, a development made possible by a 2017 law that defines a fetus at 20 weeks of development and beyond as a person for criminal prosecution of murder.
In Maryland, Michael Robertson was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Akia Eggleston, and their unborn child. Eggleston was reported missing in May 2017, and her body was never found. Robertson was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder.
The sentencing hearing included victim impact statements from Eggleston’s family, emphasizing the pain and loss they have endured. The judge described the crime as a horrific, misogynistic act and expressed sadness for the pain and anguish the family would have to endure for the rest of their lives. Robertson’s defense asked for mercy, but the judge emphasized the need for punishment and deterrence, not rehabilitation.
These cases highlight the gravity of violence against pregnant women and their unborn children, underscoring the importance of laws that recognize the rights and value of unborn lives. They also reflect the ongoing efforts to ensure justice for victims and their families, despite the emotional and psychological toll on the surviving family members.
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