Aggravating factors found in case of 18 month olds death
Renville County Judge Dwayne Knutsen says there were aggravating factors present when 21-year-old Sergio Turrubiates knocked a t.v. onto his girlfriend's daughter, then did nothing to treat her injuries which later killed her. Turrubiates of Olivia will be sentenced March 30th, and because of the aggravating factors, he could face a sentence of up to 240 months, or 20 years, in prison. Renville County Attorney David Torgelson says that's the upper limit they agreed on when Turrubiates pleaded guilty to 2nd Degree Murder without intent/child endangerment 2 weeks ago.
Torgelson says the mother of 18-month-old victim Tiana Moore would like to see a stiffer penalty for Turrubiates, but agreed to the plea agreement.
In a ruling this week Judge Knutsen found the state proved there were aggravating factors in Moore's death that would allow for a sentence for Turrubiates stiffer than recommended in state sentencing guidelines.