It took only a second for Judge Melisa Skinner to sentence Mickey Wiley Bess to 12 years in prison. Bess pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of reckless injury to a child by omission, after her 9-month-old son drowned in a backyard kiddie pool in October of 2013.
After finding 9-month-old Michael Sanchez' lifeless body, Bess wrapped him in towels and put him in his crib, instead of calling 911 for medical help. A police report states she thought he would awaken. At some point, Bess loaded her two other sons into her vehicle and took them to Sea World.
The next day, Michael's grandmother found him dead in his crib. Bess was arrested and charged about a month later. Bess agreed to the plea deal, then asked the court to give her probation and time served instead of a prison sentence. She and her attorney presented evidence they said proved she had changed her life for the better.
Bess tried to show Judge Skinner she had been in an abusive relationship and didn't know how to ask for help She provided the court with a series of completion certificates, showing she had gone through numerous programs dealing with issues of domestic violence, alcohol, anger management classes and others.
She also said her priority is and has always been being a good mother, but now she had better tools to help her do that. Bess also told the judge she was and could be a productive member of society. In the end though, Judge Skinner took no time in handing out the 12 year sentence.
Since it was part of a plea deal, Bess waived her right to appeal.
After the sentencing, Michael Sanchez' grandfather had the opportunity to address Bess and the court.
"We are parents and grandparents are supposed to care for our children," he said. "We're not supposed to bury our children or less our grandchildren. That's what you did, you took that away from me."
