Girl enters guilty plea in death of her daughter

by Emily Canning-Dean

July 9, 2003

Reporter

Bedford A Bedford girl who pleaded guilty last Wednesday to delinquency by involuntary manslaughter in the death of her in 21-month-old is awaiting sentencing from the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court.

Sharnese Brock, 17, was originally charged in March with delinquency by way of murder after the death of her daughter, Charmaria Drake.

Ms. Brock did not admit to killing her baby, said Brocks attorney Michael Astrab. She admitted to creating a circumstance that caused the death of her child. She is grieving right now because she lost her daughter.

Peter J. Corrigan of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors office said the prosecution decided to drop murder charges against Brock and take an involuntary manslaughter plea. Brock also will not be tried as an adult. Her case is being treated as a serious youth offense.

The serious youth offense means Ms. Brock will serve time in a juvenile facility until she is 21. The rest of her sentence will be served in an adult facility, Corrigan said. Before she turns 21, there will be a hearing and the judge will determine if she needs to complete the rest of her sentence. Chances are, if she doesnt violate any rules at the juvenile facility and shows improvement, she might not have to go on to an adult facility.

Corrigan said Judge Janet Burney will sentence Brock Aug. 8.

Involuntary manslaughter is a first degree felony, so she could receive three to 10 years, he said.

He said the prosecution is satisfied with Brock serving her time at a juvenile facility.

There, she will receive rehabilitation and counseling, Corrigan said. In an adult prison she wouldnt get any of that.

Brock was arrested by Bedford Police March 15 and was turned over to the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center, said Bedford Det. Tim Oleksiak.

Brock and Charmaria were living with Brocks foster mother, Truanita Williams. Police responded to a call from Williams March 13 when she and Brock were en route to UHHS Bedford Medical Center with the child.

Oleksiak said Charmaria was flown to Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital where she was pronounced dead.