Dad gets prison term in baby’s death

Fri., March 2, 2007

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

EVERETT, Wash. – A man who said he put his hand over his 10-month-old son’s mouth to stop the baby from crying has been sentenced to more than 23 years in prison.

Snohomish County Deputy Prosecutor Craig Matheson said Wednesday in Superior Court he didn’t seek a longer term than that, the middle of the standard range for second-degree murder and homicide by abuse, because of the mental problems afflicting Bernie Bernabe Venegas, 44, of Everett.

Venegas was in and out of mental institutions and was unable to assist his lawyers for lengthy periods following the death of little Lujan Venegas, who clung to life for 14 months after being rushed to a hospital unconscious on Dec. 15, 2002.

The father, who had been caring for the baby while the mother was at work, gave a number of accounts before telling authorities he covered his son’s mouth to stop the little boy from crying.

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