CALGARY- A woman found guilty of manslaughter in the death of her infant son could face eight years in prison.
Daniel Herchak was just 26 days old when he died in August 2010, from blunt trauma to the head. His mother, Shelby, was charged in the case.
At a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, the Crown asked for eight years, and only normal credit for pre-trial custody. However, the defence is asking for five years in jail, as well as time and a half for the months Herchak has already served.
“It was completely preventable,” said Susan Lloyd, the victim’s great aunt. “The Wednesday before he died, I told her she could come to my house and I would help her if it was getting too much, because he cried too much.”
Herchak also apologized in court, tearing up as she told her parents she was sorry for taking away their grandson.
“I should have reached out for help when there was a helping hand instead of turning it away,” she cried. “If I had, none of this would have happened.
“I basically shamed the community, I’ve shamed myself.”
The judge will hand down the sentence on May 20.
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