Mother sentenced in son’s death
A Point Marion woman who pleaded guilty to child endangerment in the case of her 4-year-old son’s beating death was sentenced in Fayette County Court on Wednesday, and, with credit for time for time served, she could be out of jail within months.
President Judge John F. Wagner Jr. ordered Heather Forsythe, 30, to serve 2 ½ to 5 years in prison, in accordance with a plea agreement reached in March. He noted that the sentence fell above all guideline ranges, also in accordance with the plea deal.
Forsythe faced a charge of criminal homicide in the death of her son, Trenton St. Clair, whose lifeless, severely bruised body was brought to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, W.Va., on Sept. 13, 2011.
The homicide charge was dropped in exchange for Forsythe’s testimony against Patrick Haney Jr., who was convicted in March of first-degree murder and sentenced to death for inflicting life-threatening injuries to the child.
According to Forsythe’s testimony at trial, she saw Haney beating the child on Sept. 11, 2011, and Haney would not allow her to seek medical attention for St. Clair.
“We think that was the appropriate disposition based on what occurred and her essential testimony against Mr. Haney,” said District Attorney Jack R. Heneks Jr.
Forsythe had no comment before nor after sentencing.
Her sister, Louella Forsythe, said after the hearing that she hopes her sister comes home soon.
“That way she can go through her grieving process,” said Louella Forsythe.
She said the loss of St. Clair is a life sentence for Heather Forsythe. “She loved her baby.”