NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nevada – A 29-year-old woman, Tattiyona Wilson, was sentenced to probation on Thursday for a felony charge of child abuse resulting in death in connection with the 2020 death of her 2-month-old son, Xaden Jackson. Wilson was initially facing a murder charge after being arrested in October 2021 on murder and child abuse charges.
The Clark County coroner’s office determined that Xaden’s death was a homicide caused by blunt force head injuries, resulting in three skull fractures. Despite this, Wilson did not admit to causing her son’s death, instead pleading to a charge of child abuse by “failing to protect” him from injuries resulting in his death.
During the court hearing, District Judge Tierra Jones sentenced Wilson to probation not to exceed three years. However, if she violates her probation, she could face four to 10 years in prison. Chief Deputy District Attorney Dena Rinetti argued that a prison sentence was appropriate in the case, given that Wilson had “taken responsibility” in her guilty plea.
Wilson’s public defender, Edward Kane, requested for her to be placed on probation, emphasizing that she has been cooperative with police and no longer has custody of her remaining children. He also mentioned that Wilson is trying to hold her family together through court-approved supervision.
Before placing Wilson on probation, the judge acknowledged the complexity of the case, stating that she had to consider that Wilson admitted to failing to supervise the baby, not cause him harm. The defense and prosecution attorneys both presented their arguments, ultimately leading to the judge’s decision to sentence Wilson to probation.
In the end, the court had to consider what justice would look like in this tragic case, taking into account the loss of a young child. The debate between the defense and prosecution provided insight into the legal complexities and challenges in identifying responsibility for such a tragic event.
The court decision to sentence Wilson to probation shed light on the difficult task of balancing justice, accountability, and the tragic loss of a young child. Despite the guilty plea, the case sparks debate around the challenges and complexities of identifying responsibility in cases of child abuse resulting in death.