Dad Who Tossed Kids Out Window Sentenced

The father of two young children who were thrown out of a third-story window in January has been sentenced to almost 21 years in prison for the crime.

Walter White, 28, of Tacoma, pleaded guilty to two charges of child assault Tuesday in a plea bargain with prosecutors.

Pierce County Superior Court Judge Arthur Verharen sentenced him to 20 years and 10 months in prison.

Attempted-murder charges against White were reduced in return for his guilty pleas, because proving premeditation and intent to kill would have been difficult at trial, said Pierce County Prosecutor John Ladenburg.

The fact that 2-year-old Semaj and 1-year-old Sirrell suffered no permanent injuries from the fall - they landed atop a car and then tumbled to the pavement - was another factor in his decision to reduce the charges, Ladenburg said.

According to court records, White remembers putting his two children to bed and putting a stuffed animal between them, but doesn’t recall throwing them out the window.

Jack Hill, White’s attorney, said his client was “extraordinarily intoxicated” the night of crime and suffers from major psychological and behavioral problems acquired in childhood.

Police reports and White’s own account of the incident indicate he may have consumed more than 30 beers the night of Jan. 28.

Defense psychologist Lloyd I. Cripe said in a report to the court that White was under considerable stress.