Erin Virginia Mae Bell, of the Lansing Garden Apartments, is sentenced to 15 years to life for the murder of her two-year-old and eight years for the child endangerment that led up to the death.
Two-year-old Mylie Marie Bell died Jan. 30, 2011, of blunt force trauma.
"The wound that took her from this world was a very significant force to the back of the head," said Detective Ryan Allar of the Belmont County Sheriff's Department. "Either she was thrown the equivalent of three stories or she was hit in the back of the head. A young child in the house said she was hit by a two-by-four."
The child's mother, Erin Bell, 23, pleaded guilty to murder and child endangerment.
Judge John Solovan said she still refers to her child's death as an accident, and he said that's not accurate.
"You caused the death of your own child as the result of committing an act of violence," said Solovan.
Erin Bell's father spoke to 7 News about what might have prompted his daughter to become violent against her child.
"She was never a violent person," said Dwayne Cummins. "I believe some of it was, not to make an excuse, but being a single mother. I know it was difficult, raising two kids with two different fathers and not getting emotional or financial support from either one of the dads. I know it was straining. Whether that had anything to do with what happened, I really don't know to this day what happened."
The eight-year sentence for endangerment will run concurrently with the 15 years to life sentence for murder.
She will be eligible to apply for parole in 15 years.
Lead investigator Ryan Allar says there is a lesson to be learned from this tragedy.
"Quite simply, anybody who deals with small children knows it can be a very difficult thing at times," said Allar. "If it gets too difficult, you know, take a walk. Don't hit your kids."
Mylie's father, who had been very vocal at the beginning of the case, could not be reached to be notified of the sentencing.
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