Dad gets 15 years for killing toddler daughter (Adams County, Ohio)

We've posted on dad DAVID CHAMBERS before. What can you say about this all-around loser? History of domestic violence, assault, violation of civil protection order. Even had a temporary protection order taken out against him because of his abusive behavior at the hospital where his now deceased daughter was being treated. Wouldn't hold a job or finish school, plays video games all day. In other words, the classic "stay at home" dad who then goes on to abuse the children--or even kill them. Unfortunately, this is what happened to the poor 18-month-old daughter.

http://www.peoplesdefender.com/main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=83&ArticleID=131489

6/16/2010 10:05:00 AM
Chambers gets 15 years for killing toddler daughter

Carleta Weyrich
The People’s Defender

In the Adams County Court of Common Pleas on Monday, David Chambers, 23, received 15 years to life in prison for two counts of murder in the September 2009 death of his 18-month-old daughter, LaKaylee Chambers. The two counts were merged into one for the purposes of sentencing.

Earlier, on May 20, a jury found Chambers guilty of two counts of murder, one with a specification of child endangering, the other with a specification of felonious assault, for shaking LaKaylee and causing fatal injuries after she fell down a flight of stairs while in his care. The jury deliberated for approximately 20 hours before reaching a decision.

"There's not a level to describe how sorry I am for my reactions," Chambers told the court during the sentencing hearing. "My daughter counted on me that day to get her immediate help, and I panicked. I should have been a better father and had better judgement that day. No matter what happens, win or lose, I still lost."

Prosecuting Attorney Aaron Haslam told the court that no one had requested to speak on the side of the prosecution, although local medical personnel and family members were seated behind the prosecution at the hearing.

One of the half dozen people sitting behind Chambers, his mother, Debbie Angel, requested to speak on his behalf.

"I don't feel my son killed my granddaughter, and I've been here through most of all of this," Angel, told the court. "If he did commit this crime, then I would not have anything to do with my son, and he would get the death penalty in my eyes, but I don't believe he did it. He should not get a life sentence."

Judge Brett Spencer noted some of the information contained in the presentence investigation report provided by the Adams County Probation Department, including that Chambers had two other children in addition to LaKaylee. He also had a prior record of domestic violence, assault and violation of a civil protection order.

"The court has unfortunately had a long history with Mr. Chambers," Spencer said. "At what I consider a young age, Mr. Chambers has a history of never accepting no as an answer."

Spencer noted a temporary CPO that was obtained by his wife due to his behavior at a hospital where his daughter was being treated. A security guard was called twice after he lost his temper at the hospital.

"This court personally tried to get you involved in job corps," Spencer continued. "Mr. Chambers, you had a recipe for disaster, never completing school, never gained a job, played video games all day, pleasuring yourself in whatever, and whatever wake you left behind you. No matter who got hurt or who got threatened, that was not your concern. After due consideration via statute, the court does find that you are not amenable to available community control sanctions."

In the event Chambers is released from prison at some time after 15 years, he may be placed on indefinite parole for his entire lifetime.

Spencer stated that he would not impose a fine against Chambers because it would be impossible for him to pay based on his lack of education and work history. However, he was charged all costs of the prosecution of his case due to his ability to earn $17-18 per month while in prison, with a portion that could be paid toward the sanctions.