The Salem woman found guilty in March of First Degree Murder in the death of her 3-month-old daughter has been sentenced to 45 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
23-year-old Christina Thomason was arrested in March of last year at the time of her daughter’s death. Following her arrest, she admitted in an interview with authorities that she couldn’t get the child to stop crying. She said she then covered the baby with multiple blankets and left to take a shower. Prior to taking a shower, Thomason said she listened from a baby monitor for about 15 minutes until the crying stopped. About an hour after covering the baby, Thomason returned to find her not breathing, at which time she called 911. During the course of the investigation it was found that when Thomason gave birth to the child she had intentionally broke her water and gave birth ten weeks early. Authorities also found a toxic amount of Hydroxin in the child’s system at the time of her death.
It was noted during the sentencing hearing that Thomason and her fiance had recently separated. Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Doran argued that if Thomason would kill her own child in response to that, who wouldn’t she potentially harm. The sentencing in the case was handed down by Judge Mark Stedelin.
Thomason must serve 100-percent of the 45 year prison term. The sentencing also requires the completion of three years of mandatory supervised release following her time in prison.