Brenna Winter, the Osceola County teenager who tried to suffocate her 3-month-old daughter earlier this year, was found guilty on attempted first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse charges at a plea hearing Tuesday morning.
Winter pleaded no contest, and a judge found her guilty. Winter, who will be held on no bond, faces a minimum prison sentence of about nine years and a maximum sentence of 60 years.
Winter took the child, Olivia, to the hospital in June 2014. She allegedly told doctors the baby was congested and was having trouble breathing. But when the child appeared fine in the hospital one moment and then on the verge of death moments later, medical professionals were concerned. Investigators said the teen mom's story didn't add up.
During questioning, Winter told investigators she did try to hurt her child, saying she was not able to deal with the stress of being a mom along with battling bipolar disorder.
In an exclusive one-on-one interview with Winter, the mom told News 13 she took her daughter to Nemours Children's Hospital in Lake Nona because she was vomiting blood. But after checking Olivia, doctors were skeptical of her injuries.
The State Attorney's Office never made an effort for a plea deal. Winter chose not to go to trial when she made her plea — a decision she said she made on her own. According to jail records, Winter hasn't had any visitors from friends or family.
Brenna Winter's mother, Allison Winter, said the child is being cared for by the baby's father.
"She's an adult, (and) it's her choice," Allison Winter said. "Her consequences for her actions. I just hope she gets the help she needs."
A sentencing hearing is set for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16.