Mom who poisoned, then drowned two kids gets eight years in prison

NEW YORK (AP) — A former New York City teacher who laced her two children's grape juice with windshield wiper fluid before drowning them has been ordered to serve eight years in prison.


Lisette Bamenga was convicted in April of manslaughter in a nonjury trial. Her attorney says she suffered from postpartum depression. Investigators say Bamenga acted in a jealous rage after learning her boyfriend had fathered a child with another woman.

Judge Martin Marcus says it was the most difficult sentencing he's done during his 26 years on the bench. He gave her eight years each on two counts of manslaughter, but the sentences will be concurrent.

Authorities say Bamenga drowned 4-month-old Violet and 4-year-old Trevor in the bathtub in July 2012. She also turned on the gas stove and slit her wrists.