A Phoenix mother has been handed a 37-year sentence for the heinous neglect and murder of her 16-month-old daughter.

Denise Janelle Snow-Ingram, 48, was sentenced on January 23, after being convicted of second-degree murder and child abuse. Court evidence showed the toddler weighed less than nine pounds when she died, having been fed only oatmeal, watered-down apple juice, and some fruit. There was no sign she was given any protein or calcium after being weaned off breastfeeding, AZ Family reported.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell described the mother's actions harshly, stating, "The defendant allowed her daughter to physically waste away because of her neglect and mistreatment." Seven physicians testified in the trial, agreeing the child's death was likely due to rickets, a disease often caused by a lack of Vitamin D – due to a severely malnourished diet and inadequate sun exposure, as reported by AZ Family.

Mitchell further hoped that, though the child is no longer present to see the justice served, she and her siblings know "that there were people committed to fighting for justice for her." Snow-Ingram received separate sentences of 20 and 17 years for her crimes, which are to be served consecutively, according to a news release by the attorney's office obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.

The girl's father, not named in the reports, was previously convicted and sentenced to prison on charges of manslaughter and child abuse in 2022.