Maine Mom Said She 'Blacked Out' During Baby's Death

BELFAST, ME — Miranda Hopkins, 32, of Troy has been sentenced to 13 years in prison on manslaughter charges for the death of her baby. Hopkins told police she had "blacked out" during the time her 7-week-old son Jaxson was killed.

She said she drank multiple shots of liquor and smoked marijuana that night. When she awoke, she said, Jaxson was cold and "beat to hell." She told police one of her two autistic sons may have been responsible for the baby's injuries. The baby's cause of death was listed as blunt force head injuries.

She was convicted of manslaughter in Waldo County Superior Court a month ago.

Justice Robert Murray cited her refusal to accept responsibility and attempts to place blame on her sons, who are now living with their father, during the sentencing hearing.

Hopkins apologized and thanked family and friends who stood behind her. "I don't know what else to say," she said.

The judge allowed her to begin serving her sentence on Dec. 26, so she could be home with her ailing father at Christmas.

The maximum sentence for manslaughter is 30 years. After completing her 13-year sentence, Hopkins will serve four years of probation during which she will be required to submit to random drug and alcohol testing.

Waldo County Sheriff's Department via AP