There were screams of joy and loud applause in a Regina courtroom when a Regina judge pronounced a life sentence on Tammy Goforth.
She was found guilty of second-degree murder in the starvation death of a four-year-old girl in the summer of 2012. The verdict came during the second day of deliberations in a trial that began January 18.
Her husband, Kevin Goforth, was found guilty of the lessor charge of manslaughter. Sentencing arguments will be heard next Friday. The couple sobbed openly after the verdicts were delivered Saturday afternoon.
The Goforths were also found guilty of causing bodily harm to a two-year-old girl.
They were caregivers of the sisters for about nine months, from November, 2011 until August 1, 2012 when the children were rushed to hospital suffering severe malnutrition and dehydration. They were also covered with bruises and open sores. The four-year-old was declared brain dead and later taken off life support. The two-year-old recovered quickly after receiving food and fluids.
The girls’ mother shrieked, “Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Jesus!” when the verdicts were delivered. Outside the court, she hugged her supporters and yelled, “Thank you” to the jurors as they walked past.
It was a different story for the Goforths. They held each other and wept. Supporters yelled, “We love you!”. It was also the end of their freedom. They were led out the back of the courthouse in handcuffs to await their sentencing.
Tammy Goforth will get an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for at least 10 years. Justice Ellen Gunn will establish parole eligibility. As for Kevin Goforth, manslaughter sentences can range widely from a few years to life.
This has been an emotional trial that saw beefed up security, including Regina police. Two people who got into a yelling match in court were banned from attending the rest of the trial.