Denise Snow-Ingram: Toddler weighing 'less than 9 lbs' died as mom didn't get help over 'religious belief'

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

ARIZONA, PHOENIX: A 48-year-old mother has been sentenced to prison over the death of her 16-month-old daughter, justifying her actions as "religious beliefs" that prevented her from seeking medical care. 

Despite the toddler, Miriam, weighing only nine pounds and suffering from rickets at the time of her death, Denise Snow-Ingram did not seek medical assistance. 

According to Law&Crime, the Maricopa County Attorney's office said Snow-Ingram, called 911 around 10 am on July 10, 2013, seeking help for an unresponsive child at a residence near Seventh Avenue and Camelback Road. 

Upon arrival, first responders discovered an emaciated Miriam, who later died at a hospital. Additional details regarding the child's demise and the charges have been disclosed after the investigation.

What did medical expert report about the toddler?

As per Mayo Clinic, a medical expert claimed that the toddler's cause of death was malnutrition. The expert also noted that the toddler suffered from Rickets, a condition resulting from "an extreme and prolonged vitamin D deficiency," leading to the softening and weakening of bones in children. 

The prosecutors asserted that "Snow-Ingram intentionally fed her daughter an inadequate diet and deprived her of any medical care Although she was 16 months old at the time of her death, the child weighed less than nine pounds. Seven physicians testified about the possible causes of Rickets, and all agreed the illness is most often caused by a lack of exposure to sunlight and an inadequate diet".

Snow Ingram was anticipated to receive at least 23 years behind bars, with a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Denise Snow-Ingram gets 37 years for her child death

On January 23, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the sentencing of Snow-Ingram to 37 years for her child's death in 2013.

The attorney's office stated in a news release that evidence presented during the trial revealed the girl, at 16 months old, weighed less than nine pounds. She was provided only with oatmeal, watered-down apple juice, and some fruit, without any source of protein or calcium after breastfeeding was discontinued. 

Notably, in November of the previous year, Snow-Ingram was found guilty of second-degree murder and child abuse. She received sentences of 20 years and 17 years, respectively, to be served consecutively. 

Mitchell emphasized, "The defendant allowed her daughter to physically waste away because of her neglect and mistreatment. No child should be treated this way. While this little girl is no longer with us, I hope she knows, and her siblings know, that there were people committed to fighting for justice for her."