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Batavia mother who lost baby to killer faces shoplifting charge

By Howard B. Owens

The mother of Baby Andrew, killed by Melissa Engelhardt  in November 2009, was arrested Tuesday, accused of stealing baby items from Walmart.

Kristen Anne Cianfrini, 26, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, was charged with petit larceny.

Cianfrini gave birth to another baby several months after Andrew's death.

Engelhardt was Andrew's stepmother and living in Elimira with Andrew's father when she slipped methanol in a sippy cup and gave it to Andrew and then did nothing as Andrew became ill and eventually succumbed to the poison.

When Engelhardt was convicted of manslaughter rather than murder in a non-jury trial, the community rallied around Cianfrini demanding justice for Baby Andrew. 

Chemung County Judge Peter C. Buckley sentenced Engelhardt, who had a history of substance abuse, to 20 years in prison.

Previously:

Kyle Couchman

What a tragedy, I hope that Kristen can find her way from that dark place she is in. I cannot say since I dont know her that this isnt in character for her, but I'm not gonna judge her either. What happened to her is not her fault, but we all have been in dark places that when we have a decision to make it can be the wrong one we choose.

Hopefully she can get some family and friends to give her a foundation again and help her through this.

God bless you Kristen....look for the light and you be allright hun.

Jun 29, 2011, 11:23pm Permalink

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