Northeast Iowa Woman Found Guilty in 2022 Death of Child Gets Hearing on Request for New Trial

A northeast Iowa woman, found guilty last month for causing the death of a child in her care over three years ago, will get a hearing on her motion for a new trial.

In May 2023, 70-year-old Shirley Weber of Cresco was charged with child endangerment causing death, a Class B felony punishable by up to 50 years in prison.

According to the criminal complaint filed by Cresco Police, Weber was operating an unlicensed daycare on June 28, 2022, when she placed a 16-month-old boy in his car seat and only fastened the top buckle.  However, the toddler slid down in the car seat and was choked by that top buckle. He died July 1, 2022.

On July 11th, a Howard County jury returned a guilty verdict against Weber, with her sentencing date currently set for August 25th in Howard County District Court.

On July 22nd, the defense filed motions requesting an arrest of judgment and a new trial for Weber. They argue the verdict is contrary to the weight of evidence and sufficiency of evidence and that she did not receive a fair and impartial trial.

The next day, the State filed resistance motions countering defense claims were unfounded.

Last Thursday (07.31), District Judge Richard Stochl set a hearing for August 18th to consider Weber’s motions for a new trial and an arrest of judgment.