The father of Autumn Shibley, Aaron Roman Freeman, has rejected a plea deal.
“I’m glad (Freeman) didn’t take the plea deal and I’m glad we’re going to trial because now he could possibly get a harsher punishment. Now, hopefully, life in prison or the death penalty can be on the table,” stated Autumn Shibley’s mother Ashly Parrish.
According to court documents previously reviewed by the Times, submitted evidence by the case’s law enforcement investigators includes surveillance footage showing a multitude of alleged physical child abuse actions committed by Freeman against his daughter Autumn at the Ehrenberg Tire Shop, beginning from 11:16 a.m. and through approximately 2:16 p.m. on June 10, 2017.
Noted instances of abuse at the Tire Shop included surveillance footage reportedly showing Freeman dragging Autumn by her hair; throwing her food on the ground to eat; splashing water in her face; twisting her arm; kicking her; and, at approximately 1:56 p.m., striking Autumn hard enough to spin her approximately 180-degrees, landing face first in a tire that’s mounted to a wheel behind her.
Minutes later, Freeman is seen catching Autumn’s right hand in the Tire Shop’s office screen door jamb, just below the door handle; Freeman is observed grabbing the knob with both hands and pulling the door harder to the shut position, then bouncing the door off of Autumn’s hand before shoving her back into the office room out of the camera’s view.
After leaving the tire shop, Freeman subsequently recorded Autumn in a swimming pool struggling to stay afloat; at approximately 7:30 p.m., Autumn arrived at Blythe’s Palo Verde Hospital (PVH) and was subsequently transported by ambulance to Loma Linda Children’s Hospital where, on the morning of June 11, 2017, Autumn was pronounced deceased.
According to a Dec. 6, 2018 filed court document by the La Paz County District Attorney alleging aggravating factors related to the case, the prosecution further claims:
“(Freeman) attempted to cover up the crime. Specifically, the Defendant killed the family dog which he claimed caused the injuries to the victim.”
Autumn’s autopsy report listed the cause of death as blunt force abdominal injury.
No plea deal in 3-year-old Autumn Shibley murder case: Accused father rejects offer, eyes trial
The latest plea deal hearing between the prosecuting Arizona La Paz County Attorney Tony Rogers’ office and defense counsel in the alleged murder case of 3-year-old Autumn Shibley was rejected
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