An Ohio woman has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for the death of a toddler to whom she gave the anti-anxiety drug Xanax and left alone to shop and to meet a friend at the movies.
Thirty-two-year-old Summer Shalodi apologized in a Lorain County courtroom Thursday and admitted giving 17-month-old Nadia Gibbons the drug while babysitting in December 2015.
Shalodi pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter instead of murder in a plea deal.
BREAKING: State of Ohio reaches deal with 32-y/o #Westlake resident Summer Shalodi for the 2015 death of an 18-month-old girl in her care. pic.twitter.com/Ipcoirp0Ej
— Eric Bonzar (@E_Bonzar) October 19, 2017
A prosecutor said Shalodi found Nadia unresponsive when she finally returned home and, instead of immediately calling 911 for help, shook the toddler and immersed her in hot water in a failed attempt to revive her.
Emergency crews found Nadia cold to the touch. The Lorain County coroner ruled she died hours before help arrived.
Family of 17-month-old Nadia Gibbons say they don't know how she died. Babysitter charged. pic.twitter.com/EWTAiWhKvc
— Kristin Volk (@Kristin_Volk) December 22, 2015
#Lorain babysitter charged after 18-month-old #Cle girl dies in her care. Suspect: Summer Shalodi pic.twitter.com/NtjAfgRjtj
— Kristin Volk (@Kristin_Volk) December 22, 2015
Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. It affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety.
Associated Press