Angie Walker cried but did not speak before she was sentenced Thursday to life in prison for killing her boyfriend's 7-month-old son.
Walker, who will be eligible for parole after she serves 23 years, was convicted July 12 by a jury in of murder, felonious assault, and endangering children for the April 26, 2017 death of Levi Ashley. The jury acquitted her of aggravated murder.
“It's clear from the evidence presented that Baby Levi died from blunt-force trauma,” Judge Jennings said. “He had sustained severe damage to all his organs, particularly his brain, and would have been unconscious in minutes.”
“What kind of depraved individual would inflict this type of injury on an innocent, helpless, 7-month-old infant?” the judge asked. “It's clear from the evidence presented that you are that depraved individual.”
Prosecutors suggested Walker's motive — that Burkey wanted to end their relationship, and she took her anger with him out on his son.
“The heinous nature of this offense is incomprehensible,” Judge Jennings said. “You didn't like the fact that Tony didn't want to be with you any longer, and you were tired of taking care of Tony's ... baby so you took it out on Baby Levi, and by your violent act Baby Levi lost his life.”
Walker told Oregon Police at the time that the baby had been fine before suddenly going limp the morning of April 25, 2017 after Walker took Mr. Burkey to work and then returned home with the baby. She maintained that story.