Mother Sentenced To 12 Years In Daughter's Death

DENVER (CBS4) -Miriam Gallegos was sentenced Thursday to 12 years in prison for her role in her daugther's death.

Gallegos told police her daughter, Neveah Gallegos, 3, was kidnapped in Sept. 2007. Police said he girl was killed by Gallegos' boyfriend, Angel Montoya, who was babysitting the girl alone.

According to an indictment, Gallegos helped Montoya stuff Neveah's body into a trash bag and then a duffel bag when she returned home to find Neveah dead.

Police found the little girl's body covered with debris in the 1100 block of Perry Street three days later.

Denver Chief Deputy District Attorney Michelle Amico had argued for the maximum sentence of 16 years, saying it was clear that Gallegos had shirked her responsibility as a mother which led directly to the death of her daughter.

Prosecutors said Gallegos knew Montoya had been convicted of child abuse and indecent exposure and that he wasn't supposed to be around children.

Gallegos had previously pleaded guilty to child abuse resulting in death. She is expected to testify against Montoya.

Montoya faces charges of first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death.