Patricia G. Conway, County Attorney
10 Route 125
Brentwood, NH 03833
For Immediate Release
Friday, March 30, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Woman Convicted on Abuse Charges After Leaving a Young Child Blind in One Eye
BRENTWOOD, N.H. — A woman who volunteered to watch a friend’s children in the spring of 2016 has been convicted on multiple assault charges resulting from sustained abuse that left a young child with serious lifelong injuries.
A Rockingham County Superior Court jury this afternoon found JAMI CASTINE, AGE 29, guilty of three counts of first degree assault and one count of second degree assault.
During a two-week trial, Rockingham County Attorney Patricia G. Conway and Assistant County Attorney Ryan Ollis presented evidence that CASTINE severely abused a pair of then 18-month-old twins she had volunteered to watch for a friend between March 31 and April 8, 2016. Epping Police began their investigation on April 8 after one of the victims was found unresponsive at CASTINE’S home.
As a result of the abuse, one of the twins was left with lifelong brain damage and permanent blindness in his left eye.
During the trial, expert witnesses testified that the victim suffered two chronic subdural hematomas, a detached retina, retinal hemorrhaging and bleeding of the brain.
The victim’s twin brother also sustained bruising that experts identified as being consistent with abuse.
Witnesses who observed CASTINE with the children testified that they heard her call the children vulgar names and make reference to inflicting physical discipline against them. They also testified that they observed her use aggressive tactics when handling the children or feeding them.
“This defendant was entrusted by a friend to care for her children, and she violated that trust by inflicting lifelong injuries upon a baby,” County Attorney Conway said. “One of the victims has been forced to live the rest of his life without sight in his left eye. However, I hope he and his family will some day take comfort in knowing that their abuser has been held accountable.”
Kate Winter served as the victim witness coordinator on this case. Today’s conviction was made possible through close collaboration between the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office and the Epping Police Department throughout the investigation and prosecution processes.
CASTINE was represented by Joseph Malfitani and Eliana Forciniti. Sentencing will take place June 8.
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