Third District Judge J. Dennis Frederick dismissed a West Valley man's request for leniency Friday, calling the man's role in the death of his 3-month-old daughter "grotesque."
Frederick ignored recommendations that Felix Ruben Blanco serve one year in jail — with credit for the 247 days he has already served — and be placed on probation. Instead, he ordered Blanco, 21, to serve two consecutive zero-to-five-year prison terms.
Blanco pleaded guilty in July to two counts of third-degree felony child abuse for squeezing his daughter, Sindy, tightly against his chest on several occasions to quiet her. An autopsy revealed the infant had 10 fractured ribs at the time of her death, as well as fractures on both legs near her knees.
Blanco's wife, Irene Coleman, testified at a February preliminary hearing that she observed her husband squeeze Sindy "two or three times" so tightly that he would make a pained expression and grit his teeth.
"In my estimation, it is grotesque that an adult would treat a child of that small stature and age that way," Frederick said. "It is a crime that deserves and demands recompense."
Deputy District Attorney Trina Higgins said Blanco was not charged with homicide because Sindy's cause of death is still undetermined. However, if enough evidence surfaces, it is possible to someday charge Blanco with murder, she said.
Blanco apologized to the court and said he was interested in furthering his education and supporting his family.
"I'm really sorry for what happened . . . Not a day goes by that I don't feel sorry for what happened," Blanco said. "I didn't mean to hurt (Sindy) in any way. If anything, I was trying to show her that I love her.
"If I had known it was causing her any harm, I wouldn't have done it."
Coleman also addressed the judge, strongly advocating that Blanco go to prison.
"He killed my daughter," the young woman said tearfully. "My daughter's dead."
She and Blanco also have two sons together, a 2- and 3-year-old. The children were removed from the home for two weeks following Sindy's death, Coleman said.
"I had to prove to the court that I was a worthy mom because of him," Coleman said. "I think he should pay for what he did more than just one year. One year is not enough. My daughter was only 3 months."
Blanco was charged in the past with domestic violence and child abuse, for which he spent 39 days in jail for in 1999.
"He's not a person who should be out," Coleman said. "He could hurt some other woman; he could hurt my kids."
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