Hartford

Mom Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Death of Disabled Teen Son

A Hartford woman has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the death of her disabled 17-year-old son. Officials said he weighed just 84 pounds when he died.

Katiria Tirado had pleaded guilty under the Alford doctrine, meaning while she doesn't agree with state's case she acknowledges there is enough evidence for a conviction.

Tirado called 911 in February 2017 because her son, Matthew, who was autistic and non-verbal, had been vomiting and had abdominal pain. He was taken to the hospital, where he died hours later.

Authorities said he was 5-feet, 8-inches tall and was suffering from severe malnourishment and dehydration. He also had several injuries.

According to court records, Katiria Tirado screwed kitchen cabinets shut and locked the refrigerator to keep the teen from "overeating."

Tirado was sentenced Tuesday to 11 years in prison and five years of probation.

In court Tuesday, a judge said special conditions of the probation include no unsupervised contact with minors. Tirado was also ordered to comply with counseling and treatment that the probation department deems appropriate.  

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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