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Mother Sentenced In Toddler's Overdose

By The Associated Press

Story Created: Sep 6, 2008 at 10:16 AM EST

Story Updated: Sep 6, 2008 at 10:16 AM EST

LAKE WORTH, Fla. (AP) - The mother of a toddler who died after ingesting tranquilizers has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Joan Castro's attorney had asked for a shorter sentence, citing the 27-year-old's long history of mental illness and substance abuse struggles. The judge ruled Friday, adding that Castro continue to care for 21-month-old Sariah even after she had lost parental rights to two other children.

Castro pleaded guilty this summer to neglect of a child causing great bodily harm.

Sariah Cardona had ingested a lethal combination of Xanax and oxycodone in 2007. A detective testified that Sariah had a blue pill stuck to her face, several pills around her body and an open purse nearby with pills spilling out.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View Oldest Comments First

Monday, Sep 8 at 7:56 PM donna wrote ...

why did she have the child,,,who allowed this,,the child's death is on many hands,,,if she couldn't take care of the other 2,,she should have never had this little girl,,,the state failed another child

Monday, Sep 8 at 9:47 AM concerned mom wrote ...

The system failed that little girl by giving her back to a drugabuser who already lost her first two children.Once a child is taken away for neglect in anyway, the parents should lose the rights and let the child(ren) have a chance at a better life. Stop putting them back to where they do not belong.

Sunday, Sep 7 at 8:23 PM kara wrote ...

I think the mom needs major help but should also do time for what happend to her daughter. She should have never gotten custody of her. What was the judge thinkin now this little girls life is gone.

Sunday, Sep 7 at 7:08 PM proud mommy wrote ...

lord have mercy!why did this neglegent women even have this poor child!You would think after the first 2 had been taken someone would think of the 3rd.I feel this is the states fault.Obviously she is not a good mom.Its sad because we keep reading about all these poor children being killed out of violence or neglect. Now, if McCain or Palin get in I, along with many others feel we will see many more child deaths.I hope the conservatives sleep well at night..as well as McCain & Palin.