By Bill Parry
WOODSIDE — A 43-year-old Woodside woman was found guilty Monday of manslaughter in the death of a 9-month-old baby, who was violently shaken by his babysitter on March 10, 2010. Yohani Moran, a resident of 64th Street, faces up to 15 years in prison following a four-week long trial.
“Shaken Baby Syndrome is the leading cause of child abuse deaths each year,” Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said. “The victims are innocent, helpless children and are too often harmed by those entrusted to care and protect them.”
The toddler, Dilan Criollo, was dropped off by his mother at the defendant’s Woodside home and was vibrant and in good health, according to charges. Following an afternoon nap, the child became fussy and the defendant shook him violently and he went limp and became unresponsive.
According to trial records, the toddler was taken to the hospital where doctors determined he had suffered extensive bleeding on the brain, swelling and damage to his eyes. Despite life-saving efforts by medical personnel, the child was placed on a ventilator and later died.
“The defendant, who is herself a mother, has now been found guilty and faces a lengthy term behind bars,” Brown said.
