Former Babysitter Admits to Beating Infant to Death 40 Years Later
In a shocking turn of events, former babysitter Terry McKirchy, now 62, has pleaded guilty in the death of Benjamin Dowling, who tragically passed away at the age of 35 from injuries he sustained as a baby. The case dates back to 1984 when Benjamin was just five months old and suffered a brain hemorrhage while under McKirchy’s care at her Fort Lauderdale home.
McKirchy’s Plea Deal
On Wednesday, McKirchy accepted a plea deal surrounding the death of Benjamin Dowling, who lived his life with disabilities resulting from the beating he endured as an infant. Dowling’s family was left devastated by the incident, and his passing on September 16, 2019, marked the end of a long and difficult journey.
In a letter read by her lawyer to Dowling’s parents, McKirchy confessed to being overwhelmed and exhausted from caring for multiple children on that fateful day. She admitted to striking Benjamin out of frustration, leading to the tragic outcome that would haunt her for the next four decades.
The Tragic Impact on Benjamin Dowling
Benjamin Dowling’s life took a tragic turn at just five months old when he suffered a brain hemorrhage under McKirchy’s care. Despite his family’s best efforts to support him throughout his life, Benjamin never progressed beyond the developmental stage of a five-month-old infant. He was wheelchair-bound, unable to talk or eat without assistance, and underwent numerous surgeries to address the injuries he sustained as a baby.
The Impact on Dowling’s Family
Dowling’s parents, Rae and Joe Dowling, were left heartbroken by the turn of events that forever altered their son’s life. Rae recalled the moment she picked up Benjamin from McKirchy’s care, noting his limp body and clenched fists, signaling the severity of the situation. Doctors later confirmed that the injuries sustained that day led to the brain hemorrhage that would shape Benjamin’s life.
McKirchy’s Legal History
McKirchy’s involvement in Benjamin Dowling’s case dates back to 1984 when she was initially charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault on a child. Despite pleading no contest to the charges in 1985 while pregnant with her third child, McKirchy faced minimal consequences. She was sentenced to weekends behind bars until giving birth and then placed on probation for three years.
The Shocking Plea Deal
The news of McKirchy’s plea deal left Dowling’s family in disbelief, as they struggled to come to terms with the leniency of her sentence. While her guilty plea provided some closure, the pain of losing Benjamin and witnessing the impact of his disabilities lingered on. Melissa Dowling, Benjamin’s sister, fondly remembered her brother as an inspiration, noting the valuable lessons he taught through his presence.
Moving Forward
As McKirchy serves her sentence for manslaughter in Benjamin Dowling’s case, his family continues to grapple with the loss of a beloved son and sibling. Their hope is that Benjamin’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in caring for those who are vulnerable and in need of support.
In Conclusion
The tragic case of Benjamin Dowling serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of violence and abuse on individuals and families. While McKirchy’s guilty plea offers some closure, the scars left by her actions will forever remain. Benjamin’s memory lives on as a testament to the resilience and strength of those who face adversity with grace and dignity.