Erica Mae Butts and Shanita Latrice Cunningham both 25 from Summerville, South Carolina, were sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of beating three-year-old Serenity Richardson to death. Judge Deadra Richardson spoke these words in her sentencing:
“To ignore what must have been excruciating sounds that came from that child is more than disconcerting to this court. As such, the court finds it appropriate that each be sentenced to the state department of corrections for a period of life.”
What followed was an insane courtroom calamity as both convicted murderers collapsed to the floor wailing uncontrollably. They had to be picked off the ground, put in chairs by court officials and wheeled out of the room. Here is the live feed from the courtroom and the full chaos of what happened:
Young Serenity was visiting Butts, who was her godmother and her mother’s closest friend, for two weeks at her home when the abuse took place. Cunningham was Butts lover and with her at the time of this tragedy. Charleston County Assistant Managing Solicitor Elizabeth Gordon said:
“It is nearly impossible for words to accurately describe what these women did to that poor little girl. They beat her repeatedly both with a belt and with plastic coat hangers. You can see the outlines of the strikes on this child’s body. There is not one area of this child’s body that was unharmed except for the soles of her feet.”
Butts admitted to authorities that she did beat Serenity with a belt following a urinating incident. Paramedics were unable to save the toddler upon arrival, she had been placed in ice and exposed to bleach in failed attempts to revive her when they arrived.
Back in August Butts entered an Alford plea, which means she maintains her innocence but acknowledges that taking her case to trial would probably result in a conviction. Cunningham pleaded guilty. Serenity’s mother, Leshia Richardson said:
“All I ask is that justice be served for her today. That she finally can seriously rest in peace, and then maybe, just maybe I can breathe a breath of fresh air.”
