BLUFFTON, Ind. (WOWO): A sentence has been handed down in the death of a three-year Bluffton boy.
At the time, 31-year-old Zachary Barnes and 21 year old Breanna Arnold were accused of contributing to the death of Owen Collins. Barnes has been order to serve 50 years in prison for his role in the January death.
Barnes gave what both the prosecution and defense attorney called a compelling statement, but also saying that sorry wasn't enough. He apologized to the family including his own children and mentioning his drug problems. The boys father dismissed the apology. He told WOWO News it was a “pity party.” In June barnes pleaded guilty to the murder. The judge in the case said he was confident of a conviction but it wasn't a sure thing when he accepted the plea deal.
The court proceedings lasted less than 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, documents previously released by prosecutors, both Arnold and Barnes were accused of exposing Owen to methamphetamine, the chemicals used to make methamphetamine and the opportunity for him to obtain and ingest the drugs, which “resulted in the death” of the child.
Arnold and Barnes admitted to using methamphetamine the night before the boy's death. Barnes said in an interview with detectives that they were “shooting dope” and nobody in the home called police because they were scared.
She's charged with neglect of dependent causing death for allowing the Barnes to live with them. Other felony charges against her include manufacturing meth, obstrution of justice, abuse of a corpse, altering the scene of a death.
Barker will be tried as an adult. He's facing six similar charges
