Babysitter Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter 40 Years After Shaking Baby Boy in 1984, Ultimately Leading to His Death

Mar. 15, 2025

Terry McKirchy; Benjamin Dowling.Photo:Shutterstock;dignitymemorial

Benjamin Dowling and terry mckirchy

Shutterstock;dignitymemorial

McKirchy faced attempted murder charges in the immediate aftermath of the incident. In 1985, she pleaded no contest to attempted murder and aggravated battery of a child, but served fewer than three years probation.

A spokesperson for the Broward County State’s Attorney tells PEOPLE that McKirchy entered a guilty plea on Wednesday, Aug. 21.

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McKirchy is also required to write an apology letter as well as a detailed description of her actions in July 1984.

According to the plea memo, Dowling’s parents specifically requested the letter as part of any resolution.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com