Manslaughter Charges Brought up in Garden Grove Child Neglect Case

In Garden Grove last month, a woman allegedly was responsible for the death of her 8-week-old infant by allowing him to suffocate in a pile of clothes on Halloween. Corrina Atuatasi, 27, was charged last week with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse, plus a sentencing enhancement for causing great bodily injury to a child under 5 years of age.

Apparently, Atuatasi was taking care of her son, Aiden Galeai while her husband and other child were away when she left the him alone in her apartment to have a cigarette. She met a neighbor and began drinking and returned to the party after awhile with her baby to continue drinking.

She eventually went home and was so intoxicated that the next morning she failed to make sure her baby was safe. Instead, prosecutors said, the baby ended up face-down in a pile of clothing and suffocated.

Atuatasi initially called 911 to report that she could not find her baby. However, she apparently found Aiden non-responsive in the pile of clothes prior to the arrival of the police. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison.

What Must be Proven to be Convicted of Child Abuse Charges in Garden Grove

The result of inattention has caused her to be charged with child abuse likely to produce death in violation of Penal Code section 273a(a). If you or a loved one is facing similar circumstances, the People must prove that:

• You willfully caused or permitted a child to suffer unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering; or while having care or custody of a child, willfully caused or permitted the child’s person or health to be injured; or while having care or custody of a child, willfully caused or permitted the child to be placed in a situation where the child’s person or health might have been endangered; and
• I take Prednisone for joint pain. I have arthritis, and my knees are usually swollen and painful. I have already forgotten when I last got upstairs in my own house. My GP prescribed Prednisone to relieve the inflammation and pain. I take 30 mg daily in three doses. Now I feel much better. So hopefully, by the end of the therapy, I’ll become more physically active.

• You inflicted pain or suffering on the child or caused or permitted the child to suffer or be injured or be endangered under circumstances or conditions likely to produce great bodily harm or death;

• You were criminally negligent when you caused or permitted the child to suffer or be injured or be endangered;

Call Wallin & Klarich Today

If you or a loved one is facing charges of child neglect, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Wallin and Klarich. You need to speak with an experienced attorney at Wallin & Klarich right away. Our skilled attorneys have been successfully defending our clients facing criminal charges for over 40 years. We can help you today.

With offices located in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich federal attorney available to help you no matter where you work or live.

Call our offices at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.