Lewis Sentenced
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Updated: 9:43 AM Mar 18, 2008
Lewis Sentenced
A Holmes County woman convicted last month of killing her young daughter was back in court today for sentencing.
Posted: 6:31 PM Mar 17, 2008
Reporter: bobeth yates
Email Address: bobeth.yates@wjhg.com

Life in Prison
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A Holmes County woman convicted last month of killing her young daughter was back in court today for sentencing.

Amanda Lewis faced life in prison for drowning her seven-year-old daughter. It was an emotional response for Amanda Lewis as Judge Allen Register announced her sentence.

"This court adjudged you to be guilty of that crime and sentences you to imprisonment for the remainder of your life."

Under Florida law the life sentence was mandatory. The judge says that left him no discretion in the matter.

"The state determined in its review of your case not to seek the death penalty so the only possible penalty is life imprisonment."

But before the judge sentenced Amanda Lewis to life in prison, there was a motion to completely dismiss the case; the defense said the star witness was not credible. That witness was Lewis' own son, now age seven himself, who claimed his mother drown Adrianna in the above ground pool in their backyard.

"What we have is a bold allegation that says I didn't see it, I wasn't there, and where I was I couldn't have seen what I said, but my momma killed my sister."

But the prosecution disagreed, State Attorney Larry Basford says no error was made during the trial that resulted in a guilty verdict of first degree murder and aggravated child abuse.

"The defense seems to forget that there was 27 other pieces of evidence to support AJ Hutto's statements."

Judge register sided with the prosecution, sentencing Lewis to life. Lewis will be in court again Tuesday to determine the custody of her son.


Latest Comments

Posted by: A.C. Location: esto, fl on Feb 23, 2009 at 12:41 PM

GOD BLESS THE LITTLE BOY... AND I HOPE SHE CAN NEVER BE LET OUT. FOR EVERYONE THAT WAS INVOLED I HOPE THEY CAN FIND PEACE.GOD BLESS YOU ALL
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Posted by: Danielle Location: Russellville, AR on Nov 3, 2008 at 12:06 PM

I watched this trial from start to finish. I believe A.J. Hutto is a young boy, and yes heard over and over again thoughts and allegations can be put in his head, but not a story like the one he told, a little boy his age I don't believe can make up a story about his mother's hand over his sister's face, he had a credible story and was clearly upset when testifying about it. I think it is horrible and Amanda Lewis got what she deserved. There are so many people out there whom cannot have children and the people who are blessed with them do stuff like this.
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Posted by: Mary Location: Virginia on Oct 23, 2008 at 12:27 AM

A few comments regarding those who say the boy's testimony is flawed, lacks credibility, and should probably not be used. If your 6 year old daughter came to you telling you how she was molested, is her story flawed, is she not credible? Children are far more truthful than adults, yet lack the ability to mentally organize events they witness. Not all children need a psychiatrist or other mental health professional present when being questioned. How do I know this? Because I lived it and I believed every word my child said. At 3 years old she was quite credible and her story was flawless. Remember, this little boy offered up the basic facts to his maternal grandfather/grandparents on the ride to the hospital, no one had even considered the possibility of foul play at that time. There is plenty of evidence to corroborate his recollection of events. This boy deserves support, love, and compassion. A very sad story for everyone involved, especially the little boy.
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