Massachusetts couple sentenced to prison after death of 10-month-old foster child

PITTSFIELD – On Thursday, Superior Court Judge Tracy Duncan sentenced Matthew Tucker and Cassandra Barlow-Tucker, of Adams, to state prison following their March convictions for involuntary manslaughter and reckless child endangerment in connection with the death of their 10-month-old foster child.

The sentences of three to five years in state prison will be staggered. Barlow-Tucker will serve her prison term first and, upon her release, Tucker will begin his prison term. Before his incarceration, Tucker will serve five years of probation, while Barlow-Tucker will serve three years of probation following her release. The court cited the defendants’ four children as a factor in structuring the staggered sentences. As a condition of probation, both defendants are prohibited from serving as foster parents or in any caregiving roles involving children.

The Commonwealth recommended a five year state prison sentence, followed by three years of probation, while the defendants sought a sentence of three years of probation.

The defendants were charged in connection with the death, which occurred on February 18, 2020. 10-month-old Kristoff was discovered deceased in his crib. Evidence presented at trial showed that the child died after the defendants failed to seek medical treatment despite clear and obvious signs that he required care. The Medical Examiner determined that the child died from complications of a strep infection, bronchopneumonia, and empyema. Medical experts testified at trial that these conditions are routinely treatable with timely medical care.

The six-day trial included testimony from 14 witnesses. After approximately two and a half hours of deliberation, the jury returned guilty verdicts against both defendants on charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless child endangerment.

Assistant District Attorneys (ADA) Andrew Covington and Stephanie Jimenez from the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case as special prosecutors because of a conflict of interest by the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office. “No sentence can undo the loss of this child. This was an avoidable and deeply tragic case,” said ADA Covington. “We hope today’s outcome brings some measure of justice and a sense of closure to the child’s loved ones. The Commonwealth is pleased the defendants were sentenced to prison for their reckless conduct that resulted in the death of a ten-month-old baby,” ADA Covington added.

“We thank the jury for its careful deliberations. This was a difficult case, and their verdicts hold the defendants accountable,” said ADA Jimenez.