Appeals court upholds convictions in death of adopted girl in Skagit County

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — A Washington state appellate court has upheld the convictions of a Skagit County couple found guilty for their roles in the abuse and death of their adopted daughter.

The Skagit Valley Herald reports that Carri Williams was sentenced to just under 37 years for homicide by abuse in the 2011 death of Hana Williams, who was adopted from Ethiopia. The girl died of hypothermia after collapsing in the family's backyard.

Larry Williams was sentenced to nearly 28 years for manslaughter and child assault.

In a ruling last week, the appellate judges found there was enough evidence to show the girl was under 16, a requirement for a homicide by abuse charge.

The judges also disagreed with Larry Williams, who argued on appeal that there wasn't enough evidence to prove he played a criminal role in the girl's death and abuse.