Jurors convict Jessica Tata of murder in day care fire

[Draggingtree]

Houston Chronicle:

 

Jurors convict Jessica Tata of murder in day care fire

 

 

By Brian Rogers | November 13, 2012 | Updated: November 13, 2012 12:34pm

 

 

Jessica Tata was emotionless Tuesday as she listened to a judge announce she was guilty of felony murder in a fire that killed four toddlers last year, but members of the children's families slumped in their seats in the courtroom gallery, softly sobbing.

 

"From the bottom of our hearts, we're thankful for today's verdict and we're happy," said Nancy Villanueva, an aunt of 16-month-old Elias Castillo, who died in the Feb. 24, 2011 fire. "Thank you for everybody who's been keeping up with everything."

 

Tuesday's verdict, after six hours of deliberations, was a disappointment to Tata and her defense team, but not a surprise.

 

The trial, now in its fourth week, moves to the punishment phase, in which prosecutors will try to convince the jury that Tata should be sentenced to life in prison, while defense lawyers will argue for less time. The punishment phase could last two more weeks.