KYRA BUCKLEY - 6 months - Bismarck ND

A Bismarck teenager has been found guilty of manslaughter in the death of her infant daughter.Jurors
found 18-year-old Stevie Buckley guilty after about three hours of
deliberation that began Thursday night and finished this morning.Buckley was charged in the Feb. 4 death of her 6-month-old daughter, Kyra, who authorities say was starved and dehydrated.Buckley cried when the verdict was read. Judge Bruce Haskell ordered a presentence investigation.Buckley also was convicted on three drug and alcohol charges.Prosecutors
called doctors who testified the baby was a "skeleton" and that Buckley
seemed indifferent about her daughter's condition.Buckley testified in her own defense, saying she loved Kyra and worked to be a good mother, and that the baby got sick.

Attorneys say medical testimony was a key factor in the conviction of a Bismarck teenager for the death of her infant daughter.
Jurors found 18-year-old Stevie Buckley guilty of manslaughter after about
three hours of deliberation that began Thursday night and finished
Friday morning.
Buckley was charged in the Feb. 4 death of her 6-month-old daughter, Kyra, who authorities say was starved and dehydrated.
Buckley cried when the verdict was read. Judge Bruce Haskell ordered a presentence investigation.
Buckley also was convicted on three drug and alcohol charges.
Doctors testified the baby was a "skeleton" and that Buckley seemed indifferent about her daughter's condition.
Buckley testified in her own defense, saying she loved Kyra and worked to be a good mother, and that the baby got sick.
Prosecutor Lloyd Suhr said the medical evidence and testimony from doctors was the
strength of the case. Defense attorney Kent Morrow said jurors also
told him the medical testimony was important.
The manslaughter charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.