Woman Who Drowned Newborn 10 Years Ago Released From Prison

A Danbury woman who drowned her newborn daughter in a toilet in 2006 has been released from prison, eight years early. 

Panna Krom, who is now 26 years old, was sentenced to 18 years in prison, but the parole board at the York women's prison granted her request to be released early and her attorney said she was released at 9:07 a.m. on Friday.

"It's no fun being called a baby killer. You want to change your name, disappear and move on with your life," Krom said the day she met with the parole board earlier this month. "I am so sorry for being an irresponsible mother. Accept my sorrow and accept my pledge to work in your memory."  

She is elated to be out of prison, attorney Vicki Hutchinson said.

Krom's mother, Chan Prum, was one of more than two dozen family members there for the commutation earlier this month. 

"I can't even describe it. I can't even describe it," Prum said. "This is the day that I've waiting for forever. It seems like forever for me just to hear that my daughter's coming home."

Prosecutors said Krom, who was then a 17-year-old senior at Danbury High School, hid her pregnancy, delivered the baby in a bathroom of her parents' home in December 2006, then drowned her in a toilet. Krom's mother found the baby in a closet, officials said. 

In 2008, Krom reached a plea deal for an 18-year sentence, pleading guilty to manslaughter to avoid a possible life sentence. 

Hutchinson said her client was afraid because her parents, who are from Cambodia, disapprove of premarital sex. 

She added that Krom is rehabilitated and she is a model prisoner who earned her high school diploma, mentors younger prisoners and speaks to visiting high school students. 

Krom said she plans on helping other young women who are in need of help during their pregnancy.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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