For some reason I thought Florida prosecutors would indict Amanda Brumfield on manslaughter and some child abuse charges, but I didn't think they would ever get an indictment for first degree murder. I guess I was wrong on that one. Today, Billy Bob's daughter was indicted on several charges – including first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and aggravated manslaughter.
She was also denied bond. If you will recall, Amanda was babysitting a girl back in October when the girl fell and hit her head. Amanda called for help about two hours after the incident. I'm guessing that is why the charge of first degree murder. I also think the prosecutors included the manslaughter charge because they want to give a jury an alternative to the murder charge.
My guess is that she won't be convicted of murder. I think this is a all going to depend on who the jury believes. Will they believe her story of what happened. She is going to have to get on the stand and testify and if she is believable than the jury might not even convict of her aggravated manslaughter. My guess is that this will end up in some involuntary manslaughter plea and she will serve about two years in jail.
So far all we are hearing is the prosecutor version of events and how they are inconsistent with Amanda's story. The thing is I haven't heard her story yet other than it was similar to Natasha Richardson and the skiing accident and that she didn't know anything was wrong until it was too late. If that is true, then I don't know how you could convict her of murder. It is still all incredibly sad. I wonder how many times a year this happens, but we only hear about it because it is the daughter of a famous actor who is involved.
