How Could You? Hall of Shame-Christopher Saitta case-Child Death

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Oceanside, New York, adoptive mother Lois Saitta, 51, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the second degree in the 2009 shaking death of her 2-year-old Guatemalan-adopted son, Christopher. She had been indicted by a grand jury on April 8, 2010.

Long Island Press reports “Lois Saitta, 51, pleaded guilty in exchange for a promised sentence of one year in jail and five years probation, the district attorney’s office said in a statement.” Long Island Herald reports that the entire 1 year sentence must be served.

Long Island Press reports “On July 20, 2009, Saitta was feeding her son at her home when she called 911, stating that the baby had fallen and wasn’t responding, according to the statement. A medical examination that followed indicated that the injuries were a result of Shaken Baby Syndrome.”

“According to the statement, the boy’s brain “swelled so much that a piece of skull had to be removed.” The child died on August 12, 2009. The baby was adopted by Saitta and her husband six months earlier from Guatemala.

The baby’s death was ruled a homicide and Saitta was arrested on April 14, 2010.”

According to the Nassau County DA, the”[p]arents originally told police that their 2-year-old fell out of his highchair…and struck his head on the tile floor.” He died less than three weeks later. She was additionally charged with Reckless Assault of a Child, and Criminally Negligent Homicide which could have netted her a 15-year jail sentence.

Oceanside Woman Pleads Guilty in Child’s Death
[Long Island Press 5/11/11 by Rashed Mian]

Oceanside woman to serve one year for baby shaking death
[Long Island Herald 5/10/11]

Nassau County DA Office April 14, 2010 Statement

Oceanside Mom Denies Causing Tot’s Death

[Long Island Press 4/16/10 by Timothy Bolger]

REFORM Puzzle Pieces