A mother, Alexandra Eckersley, convicted of abandoning her newborn son in subfreezing temperatures in the woods, was given a suspended sentence on Thursday. The court ruled that she must maintain contact with mental health providers to avoid jail time.
Daughter of Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley, Alexandra Eckersley, 27, received suspended sentences of 12 months and six months for different charges. This allows her to return home under the condition of continuing mental health treatment.
Despite prosecutors asking for jail time followed by probation, the defense requested a six-month suspended sentence for Eckersley. Judge Amy Messer decided against jail time, stating it could hinder the progress Eckersley has made since her arrest.
Addressing Eckersley, Judge Messer emphasized the importance of staying on the right path for the sake of her son and avoiding incarceration. Eckersley did not speak during the court session.
The suspended sentences will last for three years, contingent on Eckersley’s adherence to mental health services. She is required to return to court on Nov. 14 for a follow-up.
Eckersley was convicted of charges such as falsifying physical evidence, endangering the welfare of a child, and reckless conduct. These offenses typically carry a jail term of four to eight years, but the court opted for suspended sentences. She was acquitted of two assault charges.
Assistant county attorney Alexander Gatzoulis acknowledged Eckersley’s efforts to turn her life around post-conviction but also highlighted the severity of her actions that nearly led to a tragic outcome.
Her legal team stated that Eckersley, who has struggled with mental health and developmental issues since childhood, was unaware of her pregnancy and suffered a medical emergency during childbirth. She has been sober, attending therapy, and living with her son and mother in Massachusetts since earlier this year.
Nancy Eckersley, Alexandra’s mother, requested leniency from the court, emphasizing the positive changes her daughter has experienced since having her son Teddy.
At 27, Eckersley left home to meet a man she met online, leading to years without mental health treatment. She was homeless and living in a tent in New Hampshire when she gave birth on Christmas night in 2022.
During her trial, Eckersley testified that she believed her son had died after birth. Prosecutors revealed that the baby, who survived, was left alone in subfreezing temperatures for over an hour, suffering from respiratory distress and hypothermia.
Eckersley initially misled first responders about the baby’s location, delaying help. Eventually, she led them to the baby after a prolonged period of concealment.
Despite the challenges, Eckersley called 911 and directed them to the baby, who was in distress. Her lawyers stated that due to a lack of cell service, they began walking towards help but faced complications along the way.
The man who was with Eckersley at the time was sentenced to a year in jail for child endangerment. The Eckersley family expressed shock at the situation, citing Eckersley’s lifelong struggle with mental illness.
Notably, Dennis Eckersley, Alexandra’s father, was present during parts of the trial. A legendary baseball player, he has since retired from the sport and now works as a broadcaster.
