Spokane7
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October 8, 2010 in Idaho
Baby sitter faces murder charge after child dies
Amanda Skogen
(Full-size photo)
A Post Falls woman faces murder charges after a boy she was baby-sitting died of a head injury today, police say.
Amanda Skogen, 25, was booked into Kootenai County Jail today on a charge of first-degree murder. Under Idaho state law, she could face life in prison or possibly the death penalty if convicted.
The boy, 3-year-old Cohen Johnson, was taken off life support and died at 1:21 p.m. at Sacred Heart Medical Center today as a result of the injuries he sustained Monday while in Skogen’s care, police said.
On Monday, officers responded to the 500 block of North Elm Road in Post Falls for a report of a child who was breathing but unresponsive. When they arrived, Skogen told them she was removing his urine-soaked clothes when he became “limp and unresponsive.”
The boy was transported to Kootenai Medical Center, where doctors initially thought he had ingested something that caused him to slip into his unresponsive state. Doctors notified police when a CT scan revealed he actually had a bleeding skull fracture.
“Medical personnel felt that the injury was suspicious in nature,” Post Falls Police Chief Scot Haug said in a prepared statement.
The boy was transferred to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, where he immediately underwent emergency surgery for his injuries.
During the investigation, Skogen admitted to becoming “frustrated and angry” with the child after he wet himself, and she shoved the child to the ground, resulting in the traumatic head injury, police said.
Skogen and the family “had been acquaintances for quite some time,” Haug said. She had been caring for the boy since June.
Skogen has no history of violence, they said.
“There was no indication there was any previous abuse concerns,” he said. “Amanda has a clean record. Had they done any kind of background (check), nothing would have been found. So there was no indication that this was going to happen.”
Police say Skogen was arrested without incident and has been cooperative throughout the investigation.
The boy’s parents have declined to comment on the case.
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eagleproducer on October 08 at 9:41 p.m.
First degree murder?
Really?
Soundoff on October 08 at 9:55 p.m.
Obviously they have some reason for charging her with that. There is a lot that we don’t know. What we do know is that prosecutors have guidlines that help them determine what to charge someone with. We don’t live in an era where they throw a dart at a wall to pick charges. What we also know is that there is now a grieving family, torn apart by the loss of their hearts. This family is one of the most amazing group of people I have ever had the good fortune to know, and I think you would be better off keeping your thoughts to yourself, especially if that is all you are thinking.
Soundoff on October 08 at 9:55 p.m.
Obviously they have some reason for charging her with that. There is a lot that we don’t know. What we do know is that prosecutors have guidlines that help them determine what to charge someone with. We don’t live in an era where they throw a dart at a wall to pick charges. What we also know is that there is now a grieving family, torn apart by the loss of their hearts. This family is one of the most amazing group of people I have ever had the good fortune to know, and I think you would be better off keeping your thoughts to yourself, especially if that is all you are thinking.
spokanecougar on October 09 at 12:53 a.m.
Tragic and horribly sad all around.
Random_Axis on October 09 at 1:29 a.m.
Very sad for all — one life gone and another life ruined. Prayers for all.
dukkandpooh on October 09 at 6:16 a.m.
Yeah, that’s what I thought, spoketucky. And Soundoff, that’s what a comment board is for…expressing OUR thoughts, even if they aren’t shared by all. It has nothing to do with whether this is an amazing family or not…the loss of any child would be devastating.
There are several notable cases that could be used as examples of indivdiuals who make bad choices resulting in the death of others, but who don’t seem to face as severe a charge or potential punishment as this. Definitely, prayers for the family of this child and for this young woman.
SpokaneLiberal on October 09 at 7:02 a.m.
Sounds like Second Degree Murder to me, but I guess time will tell.
bszottlinger on October 09 at 9:37 a.m.
fbhkymom:
Sounds okay to me to start out with. Would you happen to know what the element differences are second to first in Idaho?
bszottlinger on October 09 at 10:24 a.m.
fbhkymom:
I wish your office would do more to educate the public, but I wish they would do it similar to the way you close. I doubt you have ever addressed a jury and inferred that the jury was a bunch of idiots that bash opposing views, question legalities, spout out what they think the law really is, and demean those who don’t agree with them.
I disagree that people don’t want simple facts about why and how law enforcement does their job. I think people do, but I think they want the facts presented in a civil manner, with all political viewpoints set aside, open fair dialog about mistakes that have been made, and a posture that doesn’t demonstrate an us against them attitude. I think it’s best to leave the adversarial role in the courtroom.
I’ve made more then my share of mistakes, I know you have made mistakes too. It’s hard to admit them especially when one is in a position of public trust, but denying them just causes more misunderstanding.
eagleproducer on October 09 at 10:37 a.m.
Brad: “She” addresses us like we are children who need her supervision. Just like all pigs do.
My question is valid and has none of the undertones attributed to it by the likes of soundoff and the f’dupmom.
soundoff: Nothing is “obvious” unless you have access to information the rest of the public doesn’t. The charge means the woman arrested thought beforehand of killing the child the next time he wet himself and that doesn’t make sense.
Manslaughter at worst.
bszottlinger on October 09 at 10:54 a.m.
Tucky:
Your question is very valid, and there is a good tactical reason to over charge in some cases. It is not something Mr. Tuckers office can come out and publicly admit nor can the Idaho prosecutor because that would have ramifications beyond the case in question. However it is something fbhkymom could explain in his/her persona here, not only because of the anonymity, but also because he/she is not representing the office.
Let’s see what happens.
dukkandpooh on October 09 at 12:58 p.m.
The charge of first degree murder was the same charge brought against Joseph Duncan. I guess I am an ignorant hillbilly for not seeing Amanda Skogen in the same light as I do Duncan.
BitofBacon on October 09 at 1:01 p.m.
This might help explain the charge, taken from the Idaho Statutes, but there is obviously more to this story:
(d) Any murder committed in the perpetration of, or attempt to perpetrate, aggravated battery on a child under twelve (12) years of age, arson, rape, robbery, burglary, kidnapping or mayhem, or an act of terrorism, as defined in section 18-8102, Idaho Code, or the use of a weapon of mass destruction, biological weapon or chemical weapon, is murder of the first degree.
bszottlinger on October 09 at 1:23 p.m.
It appears they have all the elements they need to charge First, and any of the other degrees that have been mentioned. The question I think people would like to know is why at this point First Degree Murder.
I hope fbhkymom will provide his/her opinion. It likely would be helpful.
http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title18/T18CH40.htm
cpd805 on October 09 at 4:14 p.m.
Brad…..you said ” I think people do, but I think they want the facts presented in a civil manner, with all political viewpoints set aside, open fair dialog about mistakes that have been made, and a posture that doesn’t demonstrate an us against them attitude”.
I agree with you for the most part, but there are obviously those who post regularly here that obviously do not.
Spokucky responded to you be saying: ” “She” addresses us like we are children who need her supervision. Just like all pigs do.” Is that open, fair dialogue presented in a civil manner, that doesn’t demonstrate an us against them attitude?
Spokucky, I agree that you asked a legitimate question regarding the degree of murder. Unfortunately in written communication, tone is hard to read. Your question, especially taken in context of prior posts, could have been taken as a criticism rather than an actual question.
bszottlinger on October 09 at 4:44 p.m.
cpd805:
Oh..come on if you and I had a nickle…make that a dime for every time we have been called names, you could give me my split and still retire after 20 years. Public servants have to expect that and Tucky doesn’t like cops, or lawyers…so what. It doesn’t bother me to be addressed like a child either, I might act like it does sometimes on here for fun, but it doesn’t. If people could get by that crap we could all learn something. Hell, Tucky and I had a dust-up when I first started posting here, and you know what, I..Me…,learned from that.
I was just hoping fbhykmom would offer an explanation. I think you and I know what it is but it doesn’t do much good for us to try and explain. What a great opportunity for fbhkymom to impart some of his/her knowledge and experience, without being vitriolic.
mpwuzhere on October 09 at 8:41 p.m.
A 3 year old gets pushed to the ground…..”pushed”….not “thrown”, or “hurled”….it was accidental….2nd Degree tops! At 25 this is gonna scar her enough…
I’d be really surprised if the 1st degree stuck….
Elkay on October 09 at 9:53 p.m.
Hope I can toss in my two cents in without hijacking this thread. (Apologies if it seems that way.)
I know it matters very much to our community to see justice served. But how can we stop the child abuse — the child killings?
Can 1st or 2nd degree really matter to that child? Or the family? Will it deter some other ‘babysitter’ from losing it when a baby cries or wets — and the babysitter has had a ‘bad day’?
I’m at a loss and feel very powerless to address the core of this issue. The sadness is almost overwhelming to me, and I want to help — but don’t know how.
Elkay
drywitt99 on October 10 at 6:28 a.m.
So many unanswered questions.
“Thrown to the ground.” A lawn, a sidewalk, what exactly did the boy’s head strike?
Did the boy have any prior history of head trauma?
How much force would be required to cause such an injury given the surface the child’s head actually struck? Is that level of force possible from a single shove.
All of these questions will be answered in time. But, on the face of it, a charge of first degree murder seems excessive.
JBlim on October 10 at 8:05 a.m.
Never talk to cops.
bszottlinger on October 10 at 8:53 a.m.
Okay,Larry
eagleproducer on October 10 at 9:15 a.m.
fymom: If only you’d do the same in your job as well.
Again, I don’t hate cops. My dad’s only brother was a cop most of his adult life, except for a stint in the Marines. Even he readily admitted his profession disproportionately targeted the poor. That’s my problem with law enforcement, both from cops and lawyers: You pick on the poor, mainly because they are the easier targets, which from my point of view is cowardly. Concentrating on those with the least resources to defend themselves against the power of the state does not make you heros in my mind. If cops concentrated on tax fraud and ending corporate crime there would a lot fewer poor people to pick on. Is that reasonable? I’m not sure how people interested in checking the power of the state are “creepy.” We used to be called Patriots.
brad: You and your staff’s computer forensic forays are pretty funny. Another outing on your part? I like the anonymity of internet threads and I’m not sure it’s your job to post what someone intended to remain private. But I do think he “doth protest” too much. I just think it’s the thread contributor’s decision and not yours, does that make sense? What does it matter, anyway, most people won’t have any idea who you are talking about?
bszottlinger on October 10 at 9:53 a.m.
Tucky:
Your right, but I didn’t do what I could have. As you know one of my pet peeves is public servants posting here on my time. Days off or after hours is fine. It really is disconcerting when you and others are chastised for your views (vitriolic at times), yet the people that do our work think they can get away with primarily the same thing.
There has been some really good dialog on here with some public servants who have maintained their anonymity, and the haven’t been nasty.
bszottlinger on October 10 at 10:10 a.m.
Tucky:
You realize of course what you did, “computer forensic forays”, they will think I’m a hacker get a search warrant for my IP address. Then get a search warrant for the place I live, kick in the door, grab my computer, through me in the slammer, I’ll have to bond, and go through the same thing the fireman did. That’s okay though, one can always use the extra cash from the settlement.
cpd805 on October 10 at 12:58 p.m.
Spotucky…you said: “You pick on the poor, mainly because they are the easier targets, which from my point of view is cowardly.”
I realize that the poor is disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system, everyone knows that…..but the question is why? Patrol officers have a hard time “targeting” anyone as it is anymore. Most of the time is spent chasing the radio calls all night long. Police go where they are sent for the majority of the time. Anyone who has called police with a “not in progress” incident and waited several hours for a response know all about this.
So, the question is, why are more 911 calls made to “poor” households or areas as opposed to the more affluent? Do the poor commit a disproportionate amount of crime? If so, why?
cpd805 on October 10 at 2:28 p.m.
dry…you said “on the face of it, a charge of first degree murder seems excessive.”
I don’t think the initial charge is excessive. If you read the Idaho code, it fits. That said, it may be excessive for a conviction, depending on the circumstances. The initial charge is rarely the final adjudication. Often times, initial charges are brought according to the letter of the law. After that, mitigating circumstances are considered, charges amended, and/or deals made.
bszottlinger on October 10 at 6:14 p.m.
cpd805:
A prosecutor is not supposed to over charge a crime in order to obtain a plea. As you and I know it happens all the time, and the defense bar is well aware of it. As long as the elements are present the prosecutor can up charge initially and later bring the charges into line with the facts of the case. Things will eventually work their way down to the appropriate charge which both the prosecutor and the defense know.
One of the reasons a prosecutor can’t publicly come out and say they do this, is because the practice violates the statutory guidelines and the rules of professional conduct. It is however one of those things everybody does, everyone understands, and it almost always is resolved in the end.
I’m posting some links here you might be interested in reviewing. Please take take a look at something we talked about earlier regarding confessions. The prosecutor has a duty to tell you guys not to release the fact that a defendant confessed, and the prosecutor as well should not release that fact. Another one of my pet peeves.
http://search.leg.wa.gov/pub/textsearch/ViewRoot.asp?Action=Html&Item=3&X=1010173016&p=1
http://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/?fa=court_rules.display&group=ga&set=RPC&ruleid=garpc3.8
http://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/?fa=court_rules.display&group=ga&set=RPC&ruleid=garpc3.6
http://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/?fa=court_rules.rulesPDF&ruleId=garpc9guidelines3.6&pdf=1
bszottlinger on October 10 at 6:29 p.m.
Sorry I had a couple of bad links above.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.94A.411
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.94A.401
bszottlinger on October 10 at 7:39 p.m.
Just to save some dry reading!
Copied from RCW 9.94A.411
Selection of Charges/Degree of Charge
(i) The prosecutor should file charges which adequately describe the nature of defendant’s conduct. Other offenses may be charged only if they are necessary to ensure that the charges:
(A) Will significantly enhance the strength of the state’s case at trial; or
(B) Will result in restitution to all victims.
(ii) The prosecutor should not overcharge to obtain a guilty plea. Overcharging includes:
(A) Charging a higher degree;
(B) Charging additional counts.
This standard is intended to direct prosecutors to charge those crimes which demonstrate the nature and seriousness of a defendant’s criminal conduct, but to decline to charge crimes which are not necessary to such an indication. Crimes which do not merge as a matter of law, but which arise from the same course of conduct, do not all have to be charged.
cpd805 on October 11 at 6:05 p.m.
Brad, that is very interesting….especially the verbiage including the “existence” let alone the content of a confession. I think if the prosecutor’s office advised local LE not to release that, they would honor that even though LE is not held to those statutes. Far as I know, they haven’t done that.
bszottlinger on October 11 at 6:56 p.m.
cpd805:
I don’t think there is any statutory requirement for police departments to adhere to the guidelines. I think it is just a good idea that they do, because release may cause a change of venue which would cost the police department, and the prosecutors more money which in effect costs me more money.
A joint agency media release policy would be a good idea. Of course that would mean everyone would have to sit down and come up with one.
The public really doesn’t need to know there is a confession, they will find out soon enough as the hearings begin. When police agencies release the existence of a confession I have always kind of looked at it as just kinda telling the public…see we got our man…and he confessed..didn’t we do good.
The media likely would find out once the PC Affidavit was filed if steps weren’t taken to seal the file. I don’t think the court would object to having the file sealed if the bases was change of venue concerns and adherence to the statue.
Here is the WSBA Guidelines, I know you guys aren’t members but you got some honorable mentions. :)
http://www.wsba.org/media/benchbar/default.htm
suzieQ on October 14 at 12:26 p.m.
I for one am happy I live in a state (idaho) where they have laws set up in these kinds of situations to protect innocents who cannot protect themselves. I think it is great that if you cause intentional harm and abuse to a child and they die from those injuries that you are autamatically held to first degree murder charges. I don’t know how a law like that couldn’t possibly deter some future abuse from taking place. For the kinds of injuries this young boy suffered from that babysitter she was in quite a rage. That poor little boy. Imagine yourself in his situation, those are the last memories he has. This was not accidental abuse. Sure she didn’t want to kill him, then she would be caught. Most monsters like this are really good at hiding the abuse they inflict on others. And that little boy might have had more of a fighting chance to survive these injuries had she not been trying to protect herself and admitted to what happened right away. Head injuries like this and time is of the essence for medical personel to help. They didnt even know what they were looking for, so much time lost to save him. And all they have released so far is her confession of what happened. Don’t you think she is still trying to make it sound less than what really happened? I only feel sympathy for Cohen and his family. As far as Im concerned if Amanda had any true remorse and sympathy for cohen she would have started talking right away about what happened, not trying to cover it up for her sake and at the expense of Cohen. Amanda, still looking out for number 1 as a toddler is in the hospital fighting for his life. Sickening!!! Deepest sorrow and sympathy for Cohen and his family! What a beautiful little boy!