Kelly Turner Sentenced To 16 Years In Prison For Death Of Daughter Olivia Gant
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- Kelly Turner has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for the death of her daughter, Olivia Gant. Turner was charged after claiming her daughter had a terminal illness and then raised money in her name,
Turner pleaded guilty to theft, charitable fraud and child abuse-negligently causing death on Jan. 3. In exchange for the guilty plea, other charges including first-degree murder, child abuse-knowingly/reckless and forgery were dismissed.
In 2012, Turner brought her daughter, Olivia Gant, to Children's Hospital Colorado for treatment of constipation. It would evolve into surgeries and heavy doses of narcotics over some 1,000 visits in five years.
Turner told everyone her daughter was terminally ill. She helped the 7-year-old girl carry out her "bucket list" which included a bat princess party put on by the Make a Wish Foundation.
Olivia also became a firefighter for a day, a police officer and more.
"The perpetration of hundreds of thousands of dollars of fraud on organizations whose only purpose in this world is to help sick kids and families in need," said Christopher Gallo, speaking for the prosecution.
Oliva was treated at Children's Hospital Colorado in Aurora and was eventually transferred to hospice care where she passed away. Later Olivia's sister was brought to the hospital, and it was learned that much of what Turner had been saying about her daughters were lies.
Olivia then died in August of 2017. Turner was arrested in October of 2019.
Turner's attorney, Ara Ohanian, told the judge, "She is not guilty of murdering her child. The plea in this case is negligent child abuse."
Olivia's body was exhumed from her grave. An autopsy was performed, but the cause of death was inconclusive. Her death certificate states she had chronic intestinal failure, autism and seizure disorder.
The family of Olivia sued Children's Hospital and settled for an undisclosed amount. Olivia's grandfather Lonnie Gautreau previously told CBS4 the lies were discovered too late.
"That would have saved her life. She would still be with us today. We would have custody of her she would still be with us."
At the sentencing his photos and videos of Olivia were played including one of her on a van singing her favorite song "Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King on the way to the hospice.
Now her mother is going to prison in connection with her death, also pleading guilty to charitable fraud, and theft.
The sentencing took place online where Turner in orange jail garb and wearing a COVID-19 mask appeared to be crying as the judge ruled she could not see another daughter at least for now.