AUSTIN -- A babysitter convicted of killing a 3-month-old baby in 1994 died Sunday. She was 58-years-old.
Two days away from execution, Cathy Lynn Henderson spent nearly two decades on death row before winning a new trial.
Henderson's capital murder conviction and death sentence was overturned in December 2012, upholding a judge's recommendation that she have a new trial based on scientific discoveries relating to head injuries. After looking at new scientific findings from Henderson's attorneys, the Travis County medical examiner at the time of the original trial said he could no longer testify with absolute certainty whether Brandon's injuries were the result of an accidental or intentional act.
On June 12, Henderson waived her second trial and pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for killing 3-month-old Brandon Baugh in January 1994. A judge sentenced Henderson to 25 years and time served, meaning she could have been released in less than four years.
KVUE spoke with Eryn and Melissa Baugh after that hearing. Both said the justice system failed their son.
"We do not believe that the 25 years is an adequate punishment for the crime that she's committed and the pain she put our family through," said Eryn. "Justice was not served for Brandon."
Melissa Baugh said, "I don't feel any closure."
Following the trial, Henderson was taken to the hospital on June 25 after she had trouble with her breathing. She was diagnosed with pneumonia and had a stroke during her stay. According to KVUE's partners at the Austin American-Statesman, her lawyer confirmed Henderson died after a month-long hospitalization.
Henderson claimed Baugh died after he fell from her arms onto a concrete floor, and that she panicked, burying the boy in a wine cooler box 60 miles from her home and fleeing to Missouri, where she was found and arrested 11 days later.
KVUE spoke with Eryn Baugh Monday by phone. He said with Henderson's death, his family can finally move forward.
