This is a disturbing but important story of a fatal case of child abuse. It is the case of baby Briana Lopez, who was abused from birth by both parents and other family members. We as a nation must make cases like these nonexistent. This story has strengthened my desire to work in the social service field. The reporter is Kim Vallez, and the copyright is by KRQE news 13, www.krqe.com UPDATE: The mother of baby Brianna, Stephanie Lopez, was found not guilty on the charge of intentional child abuse resulting in death. She was convicted of child abuse resulting in death and child abuse negligent permit. She was found innocent of intentional child abuse, because she did not inflict the abuse but allowed it to happen. Brianna's father, 22-year-old Andy Walters, was convicted of child abuse resulting in death, conspiracy, criminal sexual penetration and two counts of child abuse. Uncle Steven Lopez was found guilty of child abuse resulting in death, conspiracy and criminal sexual penetration. Paternal grandmother Patricia Walters and uncle Robert Walters were found guilty of failure to report child abuse. Sentencing... Susana Martinez asked for the maximum punishment possible for all of them. Sadly, their sentences do not fit their crimes. It took a jury of seven men and five women nine hours to find all of them guilty. Andy Walters, the father, received a mere 57 years in prison and her Uncle Steven Lopez received only 51 years for sexually abusing and causing the death of ...
