Note: This story is being reshared, having originally been published in November 2017.
A man who was convicted of causing the tragic death of his infant daughter was later found deceased in his prison cell.
Liam Deane passed away just one month after beginning his prison sentence. Another inmate, John Westland, was later charged in connection with Deane’s death and appeared in court following the incident.
Deane had been sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting responsibility for the injuries that led to the passing of his 2-day-old daughter, Luna. According to court records, he acted out of frustration when Luna was crying, leading to her fatal injuries. Luna succumbed to her injuries three days later.
In court, the prosecutor explained, “[Deane] admitted to causing all the injuries Luna had sustained, saying he lost control after she wouldn’t settle down.” The defense attorney described Deane’s actions as completely out of character, stating, “He will have a very long time to reflect upon his actions.”
A statement from Luna’s mother, read in court, expressed her deep grief: “Seeing Luna on life support in the hospital is an image that will stay with me forever. It’s impossible to put into words how that felt.”
Online discussions following the news of Deane’s death reflected mixed reactions, with many commenting on the tragic nature of the events and the justice system. One commenter wrote, “It’s a sad situation all around, and I hope this serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable lives.”
Another commented, “While I don’t condone violence, it’s hard not to feel deeply saddened for the loss of a precious life and the ripple effects of such tragedy.”