Mom gets 99 years in prison for gluing tot's hands
DALLAS (AP) - A Dallas woman who beat her 2-year-old daughter and glued the toddler's hands to a wall was sentenced Friday to 99 years in prison by a judge who described his decision as a necessary punishment for a brutal, shocking attack.
Elizabeth Escalona did not immediately react as State District Judge Larry Mitchell pronounced the sentence at the end of a five-day hearing. Prosecutor Eren Price, who originally offered Escalona a plea deal for 45 years, had argued that she now thought Escalona deserved life.
Mitchell said his decision came down to one thing.
"On Sept. 7, 2011, you savagely beat your child to the edge of death," Mitchell said. "For this you must be punished."
The beating left Jocelyn Cedillo in a coma for a couple of days.
Escalona's other children told authorities their mother attacked Jocelyn due to potty training problems. Police say she kicked her daughter in the stomach, beat her with a milk jug, then stuck her hands to an apartment wall with an adhesive commonly known as Super Glue.
Jocelyn suffered bleeding in her brain, a fractured rib, multiple bruises and bite marks, a doctor testified. Some skin had been torn off her hands, where doctors also found glue residue and white paint chips from the apartment wall.
Escalona pleaded guilty in July to one count of felony injury to a child.
Price said Escalona would be eligible to apply for parole in 30 years.
The prosecutor repeatedly sought to portray Escalona as a liar, a monster and an unfit mother. She forced Escalona Thursday to look at enlarged photos of the bruises her attack left on Jocelyn.
Price argued Friday that if a stranger had beaten Jocelyn the same way, no one would hesitate to give that person life in prison. Escalona had mishandled a "beautiful gift" of a daughter and failed to recognize what she had done, Price argued.
"The 45-year recommendation was for somebody who was going to take ownership of what she did, appreciate what she caused," Price said.
Sending her to prison for decades would protect her children's future, Price argued.
"You can give Jocelyn and her brothers and sister peace," she said. "You can give them peace, so that when they're sitting around the dinner table at Thanksgiving with their big family, they're not worried that their mother is going to come walking through the door."
Defense attorney Angie N'Duka asked for probation or a prison sentence shorter than 10 years. N'Duka argued that her client was a "train wreck" waiting to happen before the attack, the product of a broken home, abuse and a childhood that included illegal drugs and hanging out with gang members.
N'Duka repeated that she did not want to minimize the injuries from the attack.
"They are despicable, but then the question is, 'What is justice for Jocelyn?'" she said, adding later: "Giving Elizabeth the opportunity to be a better mother, giving her the opportunity to get counseling services, will be justice for Jocelyn."
Escalona's five children, including Jocelyn and a baby born after the attack, are in the care of their grandmother, Ofeila Escalona.
Mitchell listened to both lawyers and took a short break before delivering his sentence.
The judge said he believed many of the allegations that Escalona was abused as a child. "And again, outside of the context of this trial, I think even the state would find you to be a sympathetic figure, because they prosecute people for what was done to you," Mitchell said. "But I can't consider that evidence outside of the context of this trial."
He then announced the sentence. A family member of Escalona began sobbing and screaming, "No!"
N'Duka told reporters that Escalona had asked afterward, "What about my children?"
N'Duka said the sentence was "way too harsh" and suggested the widespread attention her client's case had received contributed to the sentence.
"It's a lot of pressure, a lot of pressure on the parties," N'Duka said.
Price said afterward prosecutors decided to ask for a longer sentence after receiving more evidence they wouldn't have had if Escalona had taken a deal for 45 years.
"We feel like the judge listened very carefully to a very difficult week of testimony, and we feel like he did exactly what the evidence called for," Price said.
Ofelia Escalona had asked for leniency for her daughter. After the sentencing, she left the courtroom with a solemn expression, ignoring reporters' shouted questions.
Elizabeth Escalona did not immediately react as State District Judge Larry Mitchell pronounced the sentence at the end of a five-day hearing. Prosecutor Eren Price, who originally offered Escalona a plea deal for 45 years, had argued that she now thought Escalona deserved life.
Mitchell said his decision came down to one thing.
"On Sept. 7, 2011, you savagely beat your child to the edge of death," Mitchell said. "For this you must be punished."
The beating left Jocelyn Cedillo in a coma for a couple of days.
Escalona's other children told authorities their mother attacked Jocelyn due to potty training problems. Police say she kicked her daughter in the stomach, beat her with a milk jug, then stuck her hands to an apartment wall with an adhesive commonly known as Super Glue.
Jocelyn suffered bleeding in her brain, a fractured rib, multiple bruises and bite marks, a doctor testified. Some skin had been torn off her hands, where doctors also found glue residue and white paint chips from the apartment wall.
Escalona pleaded guilty in July to one count of felony injury to a child.
Price said Escalona would be eligible to apply for parole in 30 years.
The prosecutor repeatedly sought to portray Escalona as a liar, a monster and an unfit mother. She forced Escalona Thursday to look at enlarged photos of the bruises her attack left on Jocelyn.
Price argued Friday that if a stranger had beaten Jocelyn the same way, no one would hesitate to give that person life in prison. Escalona had mishandled a "beautiful gift" of a daughter and failed to recognize what she had done, Price argued.
"The 45-year recommendation was for somebody who was going to take ownership of what she did, appreciate what she caused," Price said.
Sending her to prison for decades would protect her children's future, Price argued.
"You can give Jocelyn and her brothers and sister peace," she said. "You can give them peace, so that when they're sitting around the dinner table at Thanksgiving with their big family, they're not worried that their mother is going to come walking through the door."
Defense attorney Angie N'Duka asked for probation or a prison sentence shorter than 10 years. N'Duka argued that her client was a "train wreck" waiting to happen before the attack, the product of a broken home, abuse and a childhood that included illegal drugs and hanging out with gang members.
N'Duka repeated that she did not want to minimize the injuries from the attack.
"They are despicable, but then the question is, 'What is justice for Jocelyn?'" she said, adding later: "Giving Elizabeth the opportunity to be a better mother, giving her the opportunity to get counseling services, will be justice for Jocelyn."
Escalona's five children, including Jocelyn and a baby born after the attack, are in the care of their grandmother, Ofeila Escalona.
Mitchell listened to both lawyers and took a short break before delivering his sentence.
The judge said he believed many of the allegations that Escalona was abused as a child. "And again, outside of the context of this trial, I think even the state would find you to be a sympathetic figure, because they prosecute people for what was done to you," Mitchell said. "But I can't consider that evidence outside of the context of this trial."
He then announced the sentence. A family member of Escalona began sobbing and screaming, "No!"
N'Duka told reporters that Escalona had asked afterward, "What about my children?"
N'Duka said the sentence was "way too harsh" and suggested the widespread attention her client's case had received contributed to the sentence.
"It's a lot of pressure, a lot of pressure on the parties," N'Duka said.
Price said afterward prosecutors decided to ask for a longer sentence after receiving more evidence they wouldn't have had if Escalona had taken a deal for 45 years.
"We feel like the judge listened very carefully to a very difficult week of testimony, and we feel like he did exactly what the evidence called for," Price said.
Ofelia Escalona had asked for leniency for her daughter. After the sentencing, she left the courtroom with a solemn expression, ignoring reporters' shouted questions.
By the time I'd read through this horror story, to the point where this excrement-with-legs got her sentence and polluted our airspace with "What about my kids?" I felt a physical need to be sick. I've no doubt that the cops and judge here have felt the same, far earlier.
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What about the kids?
They'll have a fair shot at last, at a normal life.
There is at least one less threat to their safety and happiness.
I'm not terribly thrilled at the prospect of them being raised by the same cretin who raised such a monster though. We're all ultimately called to account for our actions at one point or another. So, maybe it'll come out to 50/50.
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In the meanwhile, I'm incredibly impressed that a(ny) judge was allowed to impose a sentence that's appropriate to the crime AND the criminal. I also TOTALLY agree with having this animal prosecuted by a woman. It's so easy for a defense attorney to sway a jury into seeing even this savage as being unfairly targeted by some big, mean, ogre of a male DA.
Why waste the money on her? Just shoot her in the head and move on.
It's nothing compared to those who vote pro-abortion. Â Pro\-choicers are the worst child molesters of all, Â That does not justify the heinous and cowardly acts of this woman, but as horrible as they are, they are nothing compared to the heinous crime of voting pro-abortion. Â There are no child molesters worse than a pro-choicer,, and most likely the worst places of hell will be for those who stand before God with the blood of 54 million children on their hands due to their vehement and stupid and irresponsible and infantile, murderous lies, Â These people are among the few who would make Nazi's look like saints in comparison.
 @Daniel Dick Some people aren't responding to you in a serious matter, but I will. How are pro-choicers making Nazi's look like saints? I mean, if we really think about it there were more Nazi's that were "brainwashed" into thinking killing Jews (and other groups targeted) was necessary and just, so that could make them more innocent, in a way.
I mean, did the Nazi's give anesthetics to those they killed? (There is some evidence that unborn babies can feel after ~20 weeks.)
This woman beat up her daughter to the edge of death.. I don't see how this is comparable to a quick death.
I think you shouldn't use the word molestation incorrectly. I get what you mean, but really, to be taken seriously, try to not over exaggerate. Use a dictionary or something for a different word.
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 @Daniel Dick How can I say this nicely Dick? That is the most moronic thing I have ever heard. You are simple.
@Daniel Dick None worse? How about the churches of virtually every religion that have sanctioned state-sponsored child molestation? Let's not even start down the path of how many rapes, beatings, killings and pre-birth killings have been conducted on behalf of those religions. Stick that in your pipe and molest it.
LMAO!!!!! That is Hilarious! I mean seriously this is real Comedy! I had no idea that abortion included sexual molestation, or that you could molest by proxy, ie voting. I just love how the Church tries to manipulate politics by telling people how to vote or they will be seeing Satan, Santa wont come and the Easter Bunny wont leave you any candy.
Poor little girl...the mother is right where she belongs. Hopefully the toddler gets to heal in a loving comfortable home.Â
A life sentence for assault. Well there's a proper use of $740,000 dollars in tax money (average life sentence cost). I am sure the judge will get reelected. So the kids will no longer have a creep of a mother. Okay then. However I am not really sure how great their lives will be. I mean that mother does not live in a vacuum. The entire family is probably screwed up. Them bursting into tears over the sentence says a lot. So save the happy ending theme for the movies. Family situation still sketchy, tax payers spending another 3/4 of a million they are just itching to spend, judge can call himself tough in the campaign ads. Hurray for justice!
 @Sanity id rather pay 3/4 of a million to keep her in, than pay for a pothead to be in prison for the same amount time/money
 @Sanity For just assault? She almost died, a TWO year old child who had NO power to protect herself from the blows. A normal person can somewhat defend/fightback when someone attacks them. She GLUED the baby's hands to the wall so she wouldn't move while she was beating her to death! How is this just assault? You really think she should just get the basic sentence for this? No, let's give her the treatment and help and give her back her kids, because I'm sure with six months to a year of classes and treatments will completely take away the feeling of when your child pees her pants and won't use the toilet that you must beat the hell out of her! Sounds like I found a plan for my newborn girl when it comes to potty training her!  Dear Lord, it's not like it's a non violent crime that we are keeping in there for. SHE NEARLY KILLED HER TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER! The judge is right if a stranger did this to your child/grandchild or love one, would you want them to be able to get out in just a few years?
Have a nice life Escalona... sentence that is...
This is definitely a social justice issue, however this was intentional and so horrorific its hard to believe that others did not come forward and report the abuse. I hope her children will not grow up and abuse their children
Should have sentenced her to life with her hands glued to a wall in prison.
I hope her children forget about her, and that her daughter doesn't remember this incident. A truly sad example of someone who didn't seek support to help her be a better parent.
Are you out of your mind!! Justice is not code for do what ever you think is fair in an emotional moment. If truth be told, the Judge is more worried about how he will be viewed by ignoant people who vote. The Judge needs to be removed from the bench now! It is his job to be impartial and stick to the letter of the law. Not allow his pearsonal views to replace it. A 23 year old woman that had 4 children and another on the way that didn't get any proper parrenting skills, a product of abuse and most likely very little education. Overwhelmed with life in general not to mention post and pre-partum. Obviously no family, friends, neighbors etc. who gave a rip to help in any way. Most health insurance comp. will not cover any kind of birth controll because of relegous influence but they will cover the children as a result. State and federal help in the form of social services make it more and more diffecult to get help and 8 out of 10 doctors that will work for social services are the bottom of the barrel doctors counting off the days when they can get a better paying job. This young woman was a baby herself just a couple years ago. This verdict will be forgotten by everyone including the District Attorney and the Judge as soon as re-election has occured. The children will be failed in the same mannor as this 23 year old woman has been, making it certian that at least 2 of these children will be abusive as well. What in the world have you done with your life that is so wonderful making you think you are heads and shoulders above her. No one knows what she is thinking or feeling right now, especially the District Attorney. 45 years, who is he kidding. 99 years is out-landish. You and everyone else involved with this case have failed failed failed her and many young women just like her AND you will fail these children. Get up off your big fat back sides and take a working interest in what is going on in our court system and try to get more education on our sociaty beside what a news paper tells you. Stop passing the buck and get involved. For Gods sake crack a book now and then so you don't sound like such an iddiot.
 @eve The only thing that made sense in this whole messed up paragraph was the word idiot. Maybe you should read the story once again because I don't think you quite got it.
 @eve First off even if 99 years is a lot, there's a large chance she will never come close to serving that, probably not even 30 with the over populating of the prisons and the budget cuts. What it does ensure is that she will be punished for being a horrible person.Second- There are MANY MANY resources for help as a young (or old) parent. There are FREE classes, home visitors, etc who will help you cope and keep you on track. Unfortunately most people are too lazy to get help and/or they think they know everything already. Third- Where does it mention that she suffered from pre and/or post partum depression (Not discounting it, I'm just wondering) because it doesn't automatically happen to you... Fourth- She obviously has family/friends around because the children did not end up in  a state appointed foster home or care facility. Fifth- Birth control is EASILY obtained at planned parenthood (not for long however if Romney is elected). It's FREE if you can't afford it and they give you a variety of options, so even if your insurance doesn't cover it, there are ways to get it without spending a lot of money.People need to stop making excuses for people's actions based on their age or inexperience. No one is a pro at having children. I know mothers who are 19, 20, 21 with multiple children who are learning and seeking education on how to be a better mom. This woman could have, and there is no excuse not to. You have sex, you accept the consequences. If you didn't feel fit, find a nice family who is LOOKING for a baby to adopt. Get over yourself and open your eyes. I work with low income families on a daily basis, I know exactly how it is out there.Â
 @eve Idiot.  One D.  I would erase your entire post if you do not want to sound like such an idiot.  This woman is a sociopath who tortured someone.  Rapist, murders and sexual deviants also come from abused and neglect, that in no way means they deserve pity from the justice system.  This was an intentional torture that lasted a long time and if it were a stranger who took this child and did the same thing, they would be given the death penalty.Â
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If you're going to call someone an idiot you should at least spell it right...
Although I disagree with your grammar, your message's point pierces through. This is a failure of society as a whole. I will start with myself, I try from time to time to have more initiative or to set aside time to spend discussing or even volunteering to help remedy our social woes.Â
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 I'm asking others to discuss intelligently this social problem rather than have them bury their head in the sand and allow fanatical mobs or biased government to sway our judicial system.
 @eve Do you feel better now? All the hugs and parenting classes would never make up for what this monster did to her child.
 @Luckylucy  @eve Nor could all the years in prison. I would have sentenced the mom to one year in prison, with counseling throughout the whole time. Folks, we're working with people who had the first years of their lives where their brains were developing to the environment around them have their environment be abuse. It's also anger that she doesn't know how to take out. Counseling has been proven to help people. We're talking mental here, Lucy, not punch-in-the-face P.I.T. police chase.
@CRB 99years would be too long, but people are forgetting she'll most likely get out at 30. Which is still a long time, but in most cases of child abuse, this probably wasn't an isolated incident. Most likely she had abused her 4 other children, who knows how bad. So this verdict probably includes multiple accounts. @Crb Like you said it might as well be attempted murder, because what she has done could very well have killed her. And just because its her daughter doesn't make it better. It's worst because most people have an innate sense of compassion for their own child which she obviously does not.
@Pest Lacat I'd also like to state that I'm not sure 99 years IS appropriate, because there are a lot worse threats to society as a whole out there serving a lot less time...I just don't think a year is severe enough. People get more time for less child abuse. I don't have any of the answers, just frustrated over the evil in this world and the broken system we live in.
@Pest Lacat A year? So let's say she decided to flip out on your child, 8, 18 or 28 and caused brain swelling (most likely damage), broken ribs, bruises, bleeding and hospitalization. Do you think one year in jail would be justice for that? Where is the justice for the little girl. People are concerned about being fair to this mom but what about those children who have now lived through this torture? As far as I'm concerned this was attempted murder. That baby girl could have very easily died due to brain injury, then what is justified?
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I totally agree with the sentence. Some very good points were brought out: If this was a total stranger that inflicted these wounds, the life sentence would be more than appropriate. Also, the mother was given the opportunity to accept full responsibility for her actions and receive a 45 year sentence instead, but she didn't. She wanted to play the victim and try to get off on sympathy. Too bad. She apparently isn't sorry for what she's done; only sorry for being caught.    I hope she has to have a photo in her jail cell of the injuries she inflicted on this child. A constant reminder of the damage she caused due to her own lack of self control. Â
And, I'm sorry, but people make choices. Just because you were abused yourself as child doesn't mean you have to continue in that pattern of behavior. I'm so sick and tired of hearing these lame excuses from people about how they had no choice about their own behavior due to their terrible childhood. That's ridiculous! You make a choice about how you are going to react to those types of things. People that use that excuse are individuals that feel like it's the way they want to be, period. LOTS of people have grown up in terrible family situations, yet they mature and determine to get help (if needed) and live a normal, healthy lifestyle that doesn't perpetuate the same type of violence.
 @Justanother1 There are people who think they are fine because of the amount of abuse; at the early stages, the human brain is still learning ethics.
I believe this is an appropriate, and even merciful, sentence. Justice would demand she experience what her child experienced. Instead, she is sentenced to 99 years with the possibility of parole in 30 years. She should should be grateful for the mercy extended. Her crimes are unspeakable.
 @DeaconBugg Yet, a drunk driver that kills one, or more, people can get off with a sentence of only a few years or in some cases months. Seems uneven.
@Nobody @DeaconBugg I agree that the sentence for drunk driving is not air to the victim, but the issue lies with intent. She purposely caused harm to someone.
 @Nobody I agree wholeheartedly. The sentences for drunk driving is not harsh enough. However, I still believe this sentence is appropriate for this incident. Thank you for your reply.
I hope the grandmother that has custody isn't the one that abused this woman.
Oh cry me a river. Cry an ocean. You have the rest of your life to cry in an 8 x 10 jail cell. It's about time people start paying with their freedom for the atrocities they do to children who are defenseless.
Kill millions in a war - no penalty. Steal billions and get caught red handed - no penalty. Do anything as long as you are connected to the criminal (gov't) clan, and there's no penalty. Outside of that - harshest penalties possible are given out.What she did was horrible - but what was done to her both before and after are equally as horrible, We should HELP people - not be so quick to throw people away. Are there no christians out there - love your enemy - do unto others - etc.?Bottom line is this justice system is a joke because it doesnt have to do with justice. Its either about revenge, if youre not in the club - or getting way with virtually anything if you ARE.
 @the dave What would you have found an appropriate punishment?
You are missing the point. Here one woman commits an awful crime, 99 year sentence. Millions of people's lives tossed away over bogus conflicts in years past and big corporations and banks ruining American lives daily with little to no consequence.Â
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Another example is that the Portland city commissioners are willing to mass medicate all of the population by means of sodium fluoride where as a single doctor would not even think of medicating ONE person without their consent due to the consequence of the law.
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Quit trusting arguments from authority, this judge was wrong, and believe it or not so was the mother, they can both be wrong and in this case both were.Â
@the dave ......the topic is her sentence and imprisonment. Not war. Not theft. Not religious principals or social engineering. It helps to stay on topic
It also helps to be the contrarian here and point out some serious hypocrisy, albeit unpopular to do so.
Well, I hope the one who abused HER is not raising her Kids!!!
""Defense attorney Angie N'Duka asked for probation or a prison sentence shorter than 10 years. N'Duka argued that her client was a "train wreck" waiting to happen"" i wonder how some of these lawyers sleep at night knowing what they know about their clients. having to defend such a piece of work as this woman and what she did??
She would make an excellent candidate for Poster Mom to warn women the dangers of not getting their tubes tied after giving birth twice. In today's society it is nigh on impossible for a woman to provide the love, care and supervision necessary for the well being of more than two children, let alone five. But I guess it is more important that we provide free food and lodging so that she might become the world's oldest woman; that is assuming some other sicko doesn't decide to put her out of her misery sooner. One consolation is that she won't be babysitting anyone's child; unless, of course, if she manages to escape. So let's make sure the Warden has an adequate supply of super glue.
 @Jacktwopipe Wait what? My mother came from a household with 4 children, and she is an upstanding member of society, teaching special needs students.
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Sorry, your logic doesn't hold in general.Â
Neither does yours, you are claiming the opposite to be true. Dismissing inquiry, as silly as the inquiry may some times  be - by means of anecdotal evidence is false. I am glad to hear that you have such a fine human being for a mother, though clearly some dont receive that chance.
Alright, now i'm not saying she is in the right at all..... but i will say this... i am no angel, now with that being said.... i have messed up in my life made some wrong choices.... but when i see child molesters, rapists, and any other down right useless parasites we call people.... getting out of jail before i did in 2010, and i would see those people not even a week later back in.... now i will put my self on blast in 2005 i got busted for distribution of marijuana, (qtr oz) got over 6 months in jail and 5 yrs parole probation... and there are sex offenders out there still not registered or people ACTUALLY beating their kids..... now im not saying dont punish her... but damn 99yrs... i saw a murderer get 15 with chance of parole in 10..... now that seems just alittle effed up to me..... take he kid never let her see them again but 99 yrs in prison.... really? im glad i know where all of my tax money is going taking care of people in the joint that dont even need to be there......
 @Pittbull503 Did you pay taxes in Prison?
Some posters on here think the sentence is too long. I say it is not long enough. The most heinous crime is that which is committed against a defenseless child; particularly by the one the child trusts the most. A more fitting punishment would be to super glue this woman's hands, feet, lips and nostrils together.
@I812 While you've got the glue out, don't forget to glue her knees together. She apparently didn't know what caused her to have so many kids at a young age, and was unprepared for the consequences. All of these kids are going to wear the emotional scars from this nutso woman who should not have been a mom.Â
@Kachina No argument here. There are far too many breeders and far too few parents in this world.
 @I812 Why did Sandusky not get a lengthy sentence as well? He was in a position of trust and clearly took advantage of it. This woman violated the childs trust, yes. Some of the most famous murders didn't receive a sentence as long as she did.
@Jamie Sandusky got what amounts to a life sentence.