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Criminal Law Keyed to Ohlin
People v. Snyder
Citation:
937 N.Y.S.2d 429, 91 A.D.3d 1206 (2012)Facts
The defendant’s children were admitted the hospital on numerous occasions for what appeared to be apnea episodes. Each episode occurred during daytime hours when the defendant was the only person present and the sole source of information as to what occurred. There were indicators that the children’s problems were caused by suffocation, such as blood in their noses and mouths, certain recorded information on the heart and respiratory monitors, and that they were healthy but oxygen had been interrupted. In January of 1996, the defendant’s daughter was rushed to the emergency room in cardiac arrest. She died a few days later, and her death was determined to have been a result from a lack of oxygen and inadequate blood flow to the brain.
The State argued that the defendant attempted to cause breathing problems in both of her children by suffocating them for the purpose of collecting government benefits. Extensive testimony from pediatricians, specialists, nurses, emergency personnel, and social workers was presented in support of this. In addition, a claims representative for the Supplemental Security Income program testified regarding the defendant’s applications for disability benefits on behalf of her children.
The defendant was ultimately convicted by a jury of several charges, including depraved indifference murder.
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Topic Resources
Topic Outline
HomicideTopic Refresher Course
Conspiracy; Introduction to Homicide and Murder Part 1