Jurors in son's genitalia mutilation case sentence mom to 99 years

By BRIAN ROGERS Copyright 2009 HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Aug. 18, 2009, 12:16AM

A Houston mother was sentenced to 99 years in prison on Monday for severing her infant son's genitals in a 2007 attack she blamed on the family dog.

Harris County jurors deliberated about two hours on Monday before sentencing Katherine “Katie” Nadal, a former Anahuac cheerleader, the maximum allowed for the charge of serious bodily injury to a child. Nadal, 28, was also fined $10,000. She will have to serve 30 years before becoming eligible for parole.

In an emotional outburst during impact statements from five of the boy's family members, Nadal shouted at Patches DeShazo, the child's aunt, who is also his legal guardian.

As DeShazo chastised Nadal for hurting the boy, Nadal shouted back, “No I didn't. I didn't hurt him, I failed him.” Camden Gothia, the boy's father, them jumped from his seat and shouted, “You abused him while he was still in the womb!”
As deputies seated Nadal, Gothia stormed out of the courtroom and could be heard shouting in the hallway.
Defense attorneys said they were disappointed with the length of the sentence and said Nadal continues to assert her innocence.
“She has always maintained that she did not do anything wrong, except not remain alert enough as a caretaker,” Allen Isbell said.

Nadal testified during the trial that a small dachshund chewed her 5-week-old son's penis and testicles while she slept in the family's Clear Lake-area apartment.
Upbringing described

Earlier Monday, jurors in state District Judge Denise Collins' court listened to testimony describing her suburban childhood through her adult descent into drug addiction, to March 13, 2007, when she mutilated her son.
Prosecutors had asked jurors to sentence Nadal to life in prison. Her lawyers asked for probation.
Prosecutors asked for “the maximum with a message,” noting the child's injuries.

“That can't be fixed,” said Assistant Harris County District Attorney Denise Oncken. “She has given him a horrible life to deal with.”

Isbell asked for mercy for a “promising young lady” who wasn't strong enough to deal with the death of a close friend in high school.

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