By ASHLEY McLEOD
Jul 1, 2014, 13:48
HENRICO — A Prince George woman was sentenced today to 32 days in jail after she left her two young children in a hot car while she worked at a hotel and they died.
Brittney Rochelle Downing, 23, was sentenced in a Henrico courtroom today on charges stemming from the death of her 20-month-old son and 3-month-old daughter.
Downing, who resides in Prince George County, was given a total sentence of 7 years, 6 months, and 32 days, with all but 32 days suspended. But Downing has already spent longer than that in jail before bond was approved in August.
In May of 2013, Downing went to work at the Comfort Suites, located on Telegraph Road in Glen Allen. While working, her two children, 20-month-old son, Jelani Downing-Batson, and three-month-old daughter, Jade Downing-Batson, sat in her car in the hotel’s parking lot.
According to testimony at the sentencing hearing, Downing went to check on her children during her lunch break, and said they were at the time acting normal. Downing said that upon getting off of work, she observed Jelani in the backseat, who appeared to be nodding off to sleep.
Later that day after Downing drove home to Prince George, Downing’s sister noticed Jelani was not breathing, and the paramedics were called. The family then noticed problems with Jade.
Jelani was pronounced dead at the apartment, and Jade, who was on life support, died four days later.
During the sentencing, Downing expressed remorse for her actions and took full responsibility for the death of her children.
Editor’s note: This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates and more details.
