SALEM – Sarah M. Bierly, of Pekin, who was convicted in the death of her boyfriend’s daughter in 2021 was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Thursday.
In February 2023, Bierly entered into a negotiated plea deal with the state, however, Washington Circuit Court Judge Larry Medlock denied that deal, and a new deal was made. Bierly plead guilty to a charge of murder on February 10, 2023. According to the plea deal, charges of neglect of a dependent resulting in death and aggravated battery were dismissed.
Bierly, 32, will serve her sentence in the Indiana Department of Corrections with no time suspended. She is also required to register as a violent offender for the rest of her life. She was given credit for 542 days served and was ordered to pay all court costs and fees.
Two-year-old Misty Ann Lynn McDowell died after being rushed to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Salem by local emergency personnel. An autopsy listed the official cause of death as a homicide from multiple blunt force injuries.
Circuit Court Judge Larry Medlock addressed Bierly at sentencing, telling her, “Your actions changed the course of so many lives. Baby M will not get to grow and experience the things she should get to experience,” he said, noting that crimes committed against children are the most heinous.
“This case involved a completely innocent and defenseless toddler – a little girl who will never get to grow up because of the actions of her caregiver,” said Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt.
According to court documents, first responders arrived at the home on Poplar Street in Pekin on Sept. 14, 2021, to find the toddler unresponsive.
The child had been placed at Bierly’s residence a month earlier by the Department of Child Services to live on a trial basis with the child’s father, Simon McDowell.
According to court documents, Bierly had called a family member for help and that family member then dialed 911 when they found the child unresponsive.
Washington County EMS immediately transported the child to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Salem. Tragically, Misty Ann was pronounced deceased by the Washington County Coroner after arriving at the hospital.
“The family member who immediately called 911 after arriving at the home and seeing the little girl did what any responsible adult would do in that situation,” said Prosecutor Hunt. “I want to remind people that anyone who has reason to suspect child neglect or abuse is required by law to make a report. The hotline number is 1-800-800-5556 and callers may remain anonymous.”
Biely told police the child had hurt herself because she didn’t want to go to bed and hit the side of her face on a plastic tote.
Bierly told investigators the girl was difficult to care for because she wouldn’t do as she was told.
Police say Bierly kept changing the versions of events that led to the child’s injuries.
Bierly later admitted she had “back-handed” the toddler across the face after Misty Ann had scratched her in the face. She then said the toddler threw herself backward, striking the back of her head on the carpeted floor.
After the autopsy, Forensic Pathologist Dr. James Jacobi determined the child had suffered multiple blunt force injuries, investigators interviewed Bierly again.
She said events started in the kitchen. She told police she was holding the child up in front of her by her hips and the child scratched her face. She then admitted to forcefully throwing the toddler onto the hard kitchen floor.
She told police she attempted to perform CPR but did not call 911 because she was afraid her boyfriend would be mad at her.
Prosecutor Hunt credited law enforcement for excellent work.
“I want to thank Detective Travis Baker of the Indiana State Police and Detective Brad Naugle of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for their good investigative work which led us to this murder conviction and justice for Baby M,” she added.
