Westchester County

New York Mom Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison in Daughter's Death

The mother of a baby found decomposed after apparently being kept inside a refrigerator last August has been sentenced to 19 years in prison, the Westchester County District Attorney said.

Deasia Bartee plead guilty to manslaughter in February in 15-month-old Samia Rose’s death.

Samia Rose's body was found at their Mount Vernon apartment on Aug. 5, 2016, when police responded to a 911 call for a report of a child who died in her sleep, authorities said.

Authorities say Samia Rose’s left eye appeared to be swollen shut, and she had no pulse and was lifeless. They say the child was "extremely cold" to the touch.

After her arrest, Bartee admitted to repeatedly striking the child in the back with her hand.

An autopsy found Samia Rose died of blunt force trauma, with a broken spine and internal bleeding. She was malnourished at the time, weighing just 14 pounds, authorities say.

Prosecutors previously said that Bartee has an extensive history with child protective services. Her other two children, ages 6 and 9 have been placed with the agency.

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