Lawyer is Shocked As Judge Hands Dallas Woman a 99 Year Sentence for Gluing Her 2-Year-Old Daughter's Hands To a Wall, Beating her

Elizabeth Escalona, the Dallas mother who glued her two-year-old daughter’s hands to a wall, has been sentenced to 99 years in prison.
The 23-year-old faced anywhere from probation to life in prison for the abuse. Family members openly wept in the courtroom after the verdict was read but Escalona sat motionless, offering no visible reaction.

During closing arguments Friday, Escalona’s defense again pleaded for a light sentence. Attorney Angie N’Duka argued the mother snapped under pressure and isn’t a monster, the phrase the prosecution literally hung over her head in court Thursday.
N’Duka described her client’s difficult upbringing, saying Escalona was alone and her life was “not normal.”

After the verdict, N'Duka said she was "shocked by the judge's decision" and promised to appeal. Escalona was offered a 45-year plea deal but turned it down.
After the verdict was read, N'Duka said the mother of five asked about what would happen to her children.

Prosecutor Eren Price began her final argument with a photo of the injured two-year-old Jocelyn Cedillo, bruised and swollen at her own mother’s hands. Price told the court that Escalona was given a gift and said the picture is what she did with it.

Price, who pushed for at least 45 years in prison, said Escalona “lies to cover evil” and has not contributed one positive thing to the community.
State District Judge Larry Mitchell then recessed the court and came back with the verdict 15 minutes later. Escalona will be eligible for parole after serving 30 years.
"We are pleased with the judge's decision," Price told reporters.