Former babysitter Terry McKirchy pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the 2019 death of Benjamin Dowling, who suffered severe disabilities caused by a brain hemorrhage as an infant in McKirchy’s care in 1984. McKirchy admitted to striking Benjamin multiple times, causing his injuries. She received a three-year prison sentence as part of a plea deal.
McKirchy had previously denied hurting Benjamin but now expressed remorse for her actions in a letter read to Dowling’s parents during the sentencing. The court heard from family and friends who highlighted Benjamin’s impact on their lives and the pain caused by McKirchy’s actions.
McKirchy had been charged with first-degree murder and faced a possible life sentence before accepting the plea deal. She previously pleaded no contest to attempted murder in 1985 and received a light sentence due to being pregnant at the time. Prosecutors acknowledged that McKirchy’s 1985 sentence was unusual and unable to be explained.
The Dowlings, Benjamin’s parents, expressed their sorrow over the loss of their son and the impact of McKirchy’s actions on his life. Benjamin, who never walked or talked, was a source of inspiration for his family and taught valuable lessons about compassion and patience.
McKirchy’s case took three years to resolve as her attorneys conducted an investigation and negotiated the plea deal. She voluntarily entered jail in May 2021 after the deal was close to being finalized. The Dowlings continue to mourn the loss of their son and are still affected by the events that transpired decades ago.
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