Dacia Lacey, a 32-year-old mother from Indianapolis, who admitted to smothering her crying baby to death with a pillow while high on methamphetamine, has been found not guilty of neglect of a dependent resulting in the 2022 death of her daughter, Alona.
Despite Judge Mark Stoner acknowledging that Lacey's actions were those of a "bad parent," he found her not guilty, stating, "You’re not innocent, but you’re not guilty of what the state has charged you with."
During the trial, Lacey, who faced up to 40 years in prison if convicted, dropped her head as Stoner delivered the verdict. She was seen wearing a bright yellow prison suit, trying to stop tears.
Stoner emphasized that the prosecution failed to prove criminal intent in Lacey's actions, highlighting that not all mistakes or wrongs are criminal. He pointed out that there was no evidence of long-term abuse or signs of neglect of a dependent, such as broken bones or other injuries.
Lacey had confessed to the crime, telling police that she smothered her daughter because she was high on meth and wanted her to stop crying so she could get some sleep. Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of methamphetamine in her system at the time.
The judge also noted that Lacey's other daughter, aged three at the time of Alona's death, witnessed the incident.
Stoner's decision sparked controversy, with many questioning the leniency of the ruling given the circumstances of the case.
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