SAMMIE HAGANS - 20 Months(2010) Accused: Babysitter-Holly Crews -Panama City FL

PANAMA CITY, FL- A jury has
been selected to try the case of Holly Crews, accused of the 2010
beating death of 20-month-old Sammie Hagans. 8 jurors were selected to
hear crew's case and determine if she's innocent or guilty.

Judge Michael Overstreet said during the proceedings
Monday, "Ms. Crews is charged with two crimes. First degree felony
murder and aggravated child abuse. This is not a death penalty case. The
state is not seeking the imposition of the death penalty in this particular matter"

A room full of jurors heard that explanation from
judge Michael Overstreet Monday morning. They were given just a few
details about the alleged murder from prosecutor Larry Basford as they
answered questions about serving on this jury.

Holly Suzanne Crews is facing 1st
degree felony murder and aggravated child abuse charges for the
September 2010 death of Sammie Hagans, the 20-month-old son of Stephanie
Justice, and Matthew Hagans. According to police Crews was friends with
the boy's family and was baby-sitting Hagans at her home on Kraft Avenue in Millville.

Police claim she hit the boy in the head and torso
several times killing him. The medical examiner determined he had fatal
injuries to his head and neck. Specific details, and pictures of the
child's injuries are expected to be shown during the trial.

The prosecution and defense says they will call
upwards of 20 total witnesses, including family members. Crews pled not
guilty to the charges, and now 5 men and 3 women will decide her fate in the case.

The trial will start Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. Judge
Overstreet says the case should be handed over to the jury by Thursday afternoon.
http://www.wjhg.com/news/headlines/Jury_Selected_in_Toddler_Murder_Case_152361325.html?ref=325

Posted: Tue 8:25 PM, Jul 03, 2012

Reporter: Bryan AndersonEmail

Updated: Wed 10:33 AM, Jul 04, 2012

Convicted Murderer Holly Crews Sentenced to Life in Prison


Panama City- Holly Crews' family members pled with Circuit Judge Michael Overstreet Tuesday begging for mercy on the convicted killer.

"We have three beautiful children of our own and y'all are taking the mother of my children away," said her boyfriend Johnny Bushard.

But Overstreet showed no mercy.

"In this case Ms. Crews will be adjudicated guilty," said Overstreet.

He agreed with the jury's recommendation of life in prison for the 2010 first degree murder of 20 month old Sammie Hagans. Overstreet also gave Crews 30 years for aggravated child abuse. She'll serve the sentences concurrently.

Crews was watching the toddler along with five other children back on September 19, 2010. At some point that day Hagans suffered fatal blows to his head and neck. Crews admitted she was the only adult home at the time, but Tuesday she again denied any wrongdoing.

"People are saying things to me that, it's just not right," said Crews.

But those denials fell on deaf ears. She appeared to cry as she heard Judge Overstreet sentence her to life behind bars. Crews wasn't the only one upset. Her boyfriend, Johnny Bushard, did not take the news too well. Following the sentencing he made an obscene gesture to NewsChannel 7's camera. That's when a bailiff removed him from the courtroom.

As the families from both sides left the courthouse, deputies lined the sidewalk to prevent any other incidents. Crews' defense attorney Kimberly Dowgul said she will appeal Tuesday's sentence.

Now THIS is the same fate that every other convicted POS should get. (If we can't have the death penalty)

MasonMomma wrote:Now THIS is the same fate that every other convicted POS should get. (If we can't have the death penalty)

Wow! I couldn't agree with you more. I wish all judges and juries would give life convictions for murdering a precious baby. Finally justice served in this case.