“This is a day I have not been looking for,” stated Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed this morning when he handed down the sentence to Candy S. Chamness and Derrick W. Spore, both of Syracuse, on a charge of reckless homicide, a class C felony.

“This was a tragic set of circumstances. I don’t think you are bad parents. No matter what the court does, it’s minor punishment …” Reed stated, adding the fact there was a loss of life. “I can’t over look that.” (See Parents Charged In Death Of Syracuse Youth)

Both were sentenced pursuant to the plea agreements — no more than a four-year sentence. But the judge made a few modifications. The sentence to the Indiana Department of Corrections was suspended. Both will serve two years in the Kosciusko County Jail, with the courts having no objections to work release and two years on formal probation.

But the judge’s orders didn’t end there.

Chamness will serve one year of her probation up front, then report to the Kosciusko County Jail on Jan. 30, 2016, to serve two years incarceration, and following her release serve the remaining year on probation. she was given 92 days credit for time served.

Spore will report to serve two years the Kosciusko County Jail starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, allowing time to see if he can be accepted for work release, with his two years probation effective at the end. He was given 84 days credit for time served.

“I wish you the best of luck and take care of Tyler,” stated Reed. Tyler is the surviving child of the couple.

Complete Requirements

Dan Hampton, prosecutor, stated the plea agreements were reasonable as considering through the investigation mitigating circumstances were found which could have resulted in a sentence of up to 50 years for each one. “I’m at a loss for words in this case your honor, a loss for words.”

Jay Rigdon, counsel for Chamness, presented three pieces of evidence to the court, a letter from Millennium Industry regarding employment, and reports from the Department of Child Services. Scott Lennox, counsel for Spore, asked the court to consider the same items as evidence for his client.

Rigdon noted DCS was awaiting the outcome of the sentencing on one or both parents for continued placement of the child. He noted DCS has stated the child could be placed with one or both parents if not incarcerated.

“This is a difficult case,” stated Rigdon. “There is no joy and is most painful.” Rigdon stated both individuals will have to live the rest of their lives with the loss of a child from activity that involved poor choices made — one contributing to a child’s death. Rigdon stated Chamness did everything asked of her by DCS, as for her criminal background there was nothing showing a criminal path.

Lennox echoed Ridgon’s statement, asking the court to take to heart his client accepted the responsibility. “He is already serving a life sentence,” Lennox said, adding he understands and will deal with that every day … no excuse what happen, it was unfortunate circumstances and events that lead to the death.”

Strong family and community support was noted, and was evident in the courtroom.

Chamness and Spore briefly spoke before the court, both emotional throughout the hearing process. Both stated they just wanted to take care of their surviving child.