Click Here

DA Won't Seek Death Penalty In Scalding Case

Jamie Wilson (Aug. 1 2006 Court Appearance)

A woman accused of killing her 2-year-old goddaughter by placing her in a bathtub of scalding water will not face the death penalty, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Orange County District Attorney Jim Woodall said he would not pursue a capital murder case against Jamie Lee Wilson. The 22-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly holding Briana Faucette in the bathtub while baby-sitting the toddler in December, and waiting hours before calling 911.

The child had bruises on her face and upper body, and her legs and waist were bright red with deep burns indicating she had been held under the hot water, according to an autopsy.

"After several meetings with the victim's family, we came to a joint decision not to seek the death penalty," Woodall said after a brief court hearing Tuesday. "At our last meeting they agreed it was probably the wisest thing to do."

The decision means Wilson could face life in prison if convicted.

Wilson cried as Woodall announced his decision.

"I just don't see any true remorse coming from her for what she's done," said Sherry Faucette, the child's mother. "And I think the tears are for relief we're not going after the death penalty."

Once best friends, Wilson and Faucette barely looked at each other in the courtroom. Faucette said she is still waiting for an apology from her former friend.

"It's just emotional," Faucette said. "Just seeing her, it kind of makes your stomach twirl like getting nauseous. It's somewhat sickening."

Faucette said although she thinks Wilson should die for the crime, she supports the district attorney in his decision.

As for Wilson, who is being held in the Orange County Jail, she had nothing to say to the judge. She simply said, "I love you" to her family and walked out of the courtroom.



0 Comments


Golo

Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.

You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.

View Comments View Comments

Photo Spotlight
*
*
*
*
*
*
[+] more photos | submit your photos
Report It
Send us your news photos, videos, tips and story ideas.
Submit Videos Submit Photos Submit Reports
  1. Health_Care_Protest
    Votes for health care reform

    House speaker Nancy Pelosi looks to secure the health vote.

  2. Samuel Cooper
    Cooper's alleged crime spree

  3. WRAL Sports - Generic
    Bracket Central

    Print brackets, form a pool and win big in the NCAA Tournament

  4. NCAA Bracket
    Hoops Headquarters

  5. Basketball - Generic Graphic
    2010 Women's NCAA bracket

    2010 NCAA Women's Tournament bracket

Click Here