Woman found guilty of killing infant in her care

BOSTON — The woman accused of causing an infant's death while she was caring for her as a nanny has been convicted.

Pallavi Macharla, 45, was convicted of second-degree murder Monday.

Both the prosecution and defense made their final plea to jurors Friday in the case against a nanny accused of killing an infant in her care.

"The defendant, Pallavi Macharla murdered Redhima with extreme atrocity and cruelty," Assistant District Attorney Katharine Folger said in her closing statement Friday.

But it was something defense attorney J.W. Carney had called, simply, an "unbelievable tragedy."

Macharla was charged with murdering 6-month-old Ridhima Dhekane while babysitting her in 2014. She broke down in court as the prosecution told jurors they believe Macharla intentionally killed the infant.

"We know that Ridhima was subject to violent force when she was alone with the defendant," Folger alleged.

During a court recess, Macharla broke down again. This time, her family and friends began to pray over her.

Macharla’s attorneys pointed out she’s a medical doctor herself, they said she did everything she could to save the baby when Ridhima became unresponsive several minutes after vomiting.

"The child was limp and not responding," Carney said. "Then she heard a gurgle, turned the baby around, saw the baby did not appear to be breathing and what she did was immediately began CPR."

The defense says the reason an autopsy showed blunt force trauma to the head was because of the care the baby received at the hospital after she died.

Macharla didn’t immediately call 911 and the prosecution pointed out that she lied to police.

"The defendant told the truth about some things. She admitted that she lied about others. She admitted she left things out. The evidence proves she left out more," Folger said.

Both sides asked the jury to use their common sense while reviewing the evidence and reaching a verdict.

Cox Media Group