According to California prosecutors, a woman has been sentenced for the alleged intentional killing of her 2-year-old daughter by administering prescription pills.
A woman named Macie Silvey has been given a sentence of 33 years to life in prison for the tragic death of her daughter in 2023, according to a Facebook post by the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office.
An attorney representing Silvey did not respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment on Sept. 9.
According to the Record Searchlight, Todd Silvey expressed his heartbreaking loss during his daughter’s sentencing hearing, as he mourned the loss of both his granddaughter and his daughter.
“The person that murdered our granddaughter is the not the same person who grew up with us,” he said, the newspaper reported. “It pains me. There’s no win when she goes to prison. We’ll have nothing.”
During their investigation, Redding police detectives discovered that the 21-year-old mother intentionally gave her child access to prescription medication in January 2023. The police made an announcement on Facebook in August 2023, stating that Silvey had been arrested.
Despite being aware of her daughter’s medication intake and the resulting symptoms, Silvey allegedly drove to rural Shasta County, causing a delay in seeking medical help for her daughter, according to the police.
Prosecutors state that the pair were present in the car together in Millville when the tragic incident occurred, resulting in the toddler’s death.
“After her child died, Silvey drove into town and pretended that an accident had happened,” prosecutors said.
After an extensive seven-month investigation, detectives were able to secure a warrant for Silvey’s arrest in connection with the girl’s death.
According to the police, she was taken into custody on August 8, 2023, for charges related to murder and kidnapping.
During her arraignment, she entered a plea of not guilty, according to prosecutors.
In a recent Facebook post, prosecutors revealed that Silvey has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and kidnapping, bringing an end to a nine-month-long legal battle.
During Silvey’s sentencing hearing, the girl’s paternal grandfather, John Harrison, shared heartwarming memories of his granddaughter. He fondly recalled waking her up from naps with hugs and teaching her to hoot like an owl, according to the Record Searchlight.
“She was a beautiful child,” Harrison remarked, as reported by the newspaper.
Redding is located approximately 160 miles north of Sacramento.