Fri Sep 06 05:16:07 UTC 2024: – Shannon White, the stepmother of Willow Dunn, has been sentenced to nine-and-a-half years for manslaughter and two years for cruelty to a second child, to be served concurrently
– Willow Dunn, a four-year-old with Down syndrome, was found dead in her Brisbane home in May 2020, weighing just 6.5 kilograms with severe neglect and abuse
– White could be eligible for parole in June 2026
– White showed remorse during sentencing and expressed regret for failing in her duty to Willow and the children
– White had a history of low IQ, depression, and childhood sexual abuse, which contributed to a shorter sentence
– Family members and neighbors were not aware of Willow’s existence, and she was left isolated and neglected before her death
– Willow’s family expressed their grief and the impact of her passing on their lives
– White initially wanted to be a good stepmother to Willow and her brother but neglected them after the birth of her own son.
Stepmother sentenced over ‘gross neglect’ and ‘abandonment’ of 4yo stepdaughter with Down syndrome
Stepmother sentenced over 'gross neglect' and 'abandonment' of 4yo stepdaughter with Down syndrome