Woman claims innocence in son’s death despite guilty plea

BOLIVAR, Mo. (AP) – A southwestern Missouri woman is going to prison after pleading guilty in the death of her autistic son, though she still maintains her innocence.

KYTV reports that Kimberly Lightwine wore a T-shirt reading “Kimberly is Innocent” at sentencing Friday. She also complained about her attorney, broke down crying, and told relatives in the courtroom that she was tired of being labeled a killer.

Judge Michael Hendrickson ruled the attorney had provided effective counsel and sentenced Lightwine, who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in May, to seven years in prison. But she could be released after completing a 120-day substance abuse program.

Lightwine’s son, 19-year-old Austin Anderson, was found dead in a field in August 2016. He had a swollen brain from dehydration and possibly went into shock without his medication.

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Information from: KYTV-TV, http://www.ky3.com