Cummings pleads guilty
Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008
BENTONVILLE — A Bentonville woman admitted Monday to being responsible for the death of her 7-month-old daughter.
Melanie Cummings, 31, pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a class C felony punishable with a prison sentence ranging from three to 10 years. She pleaded guilty to the court without the benefit of a plea agreement, so her punishment rests in Circuit Judge David Clinger’s hands.
Clinger ordered that a pre-sentencing investigation be conducted in the case.
Sentencing for Cummings is scheduled for 8: 30 a. m. Jan. 15.
Brooklynn Cummings was pronounced dead on March 13, 2007, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville. Her father found her face down in bath water, according to court documents.
Joseph Cummings told deputies his daughter and wife were in the bathtub bathing. He had checked on them at one point while he was on the phone; all was well at that time. He told deputies he checked on them 15 minutes later but received no response to his calls through the bathroom door. Cummings said he forced the door open and found his wife unresponsive and the baby face-down in the water, court documents state.
Melanie Cummings admitted to drinking beer, wine, and rum and soda pop before bathing with her daughter on that day, court documents state.
Melanie Cummings told a deputy she thought she had had too much to drink, according to court documents.
Joseph Cummings received an order of protection four years ago in Benton County Circuit Court after claiming his wife left their then 3-month-old son unattended after she passed out from drinking alcohol, court documents state.
Melanie Cummings is free on $ 100, 000 bond.
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