In 4th Trial, Grandma Convicted Of Drowning Boy
MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ/AP) - A 63-year-old grandmother who stood trial three earlier times in the bathtub drowning of her 4-year-old grandson has been convicted of first-degree murder in her fourth trial.
A Macomb County Circuit Court jury on Monday convicted Terry Borgia in the January 2010 death of DeAngelo Tobia. It happened at a Clinton Township apartment that Borgia shared with her adult daughter, Tonina, the boy's aunt.
Borgia reportedly made incriminating statements to police, saying she "snapped," but did not make an outright confession that she drowned the boy. Defense attorney Mark Haddad said he maintains his defense that Borgia is covering for her daughter Tonina, although prosecutors have said there's no evidence that supports that theory.
Borgia's first trial ended in a mistrial after police statements were found to be invalid. Her second trial ended in a hung jury after Borgia's daughter Tonina was found to be an unfit witness due to mental health issues. Her third trial ended in a mistrial after jurors indicated they were deadlocked.
First-degree murder carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison without possibility of parole. Sentencing is April 17.
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