Nanny convicted of manslaughter in death of toddler in her care



KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) — Benton County jurors on Wednesday convicted a former Richland nanny of second-degree manslaughter in the death of a toddler in her care.

The Tri-City Herald says (http://is.gd/xQ3VrI) 31-year-old Kelli Jacobsen was acquitted on Wednesday of the more serious charge of first-degree manslaughter, but convicted on the second-degree charge.

The toddler, Ryder Morrison, died in the hospital in 2011, a day after his first birthday. Doctors say he had suffered abusive head trauma.

Jacobsen's first trial in 2013 ended in a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a unanimous decision.

In closing arguments, Benton County prosecutor Andy Miller told jurors that Jacobsen told different versions of how the toddler was injured and that none was consistent with medical experts' opinions about how he died.

Defense attorney Shane Silverthorn said prosecutors failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Jacobsen is responsible for Ryder's death.

Jurors began deliberating Tuesday.