A grandmother was found guilty Friday in Weld County of child abuse resulting in the death of her infant grandson.
Sandy Archuleta, 54, was convicted by jury and is the second co-defendant found guilty in the death of 4-month-old Donovan Archuleta, according to the district attorney’s office.
Donovan Archuleta died in August 2015 after days of abuse and neglect, according to a DA’s news release. Sandy Archuleta cared for Donovan while the boy’s mother, Angelica Rey Chavez, had “other obligations.”
“Donovan was a happy, healthy 4-month-old baby when his mother dropped him off,” said chief
deputy district attorney Ben Whitney. “But over the course of the next week, he was pinched, bruised, broken and burned. He’s dead because of the defendant.”
Donovan had chemical burns on his face, mouth and gums, a sepsis infection from pneumonia and red bruises caused by tweezers used to pinch him, according to medical records. He also had suffered broken ribs, which medical examiners said were not caused by CPR.
When Chavez, Donovan’s mother, returned home, she ignored warnings signs and failed to get help for her infant. Donovan later died at Children’s Hospital in Aurora.
In April, a Weld District Court judge sentenced Chavez to eight years in prison. A jury, in March, had found Chavez guilty of negligent child abuse resulting in death.
Donovan’s father, Roberto “Nathan” Archuleta, also faces charges in the case. His next court appearance is scheduled on Nov. 2.
Sandy Archuleta, who faces up to 48 years in prison, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 11.
