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Father's Plea Avoids Death Penalty in Infant's Death
16 Jul
Summary
- Man pleads guilty to first-degree murder in daughter's death.
- He received a life sentence with no parole eligibility.
- The infant died from multiple skull fractures and blunt force trauma.
Gabriel Addison Girner, 24, has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, avoiding a potential death penalty for the 2023 beating death of his infant daughter, Ivana Rose Girner. A life sentence was imposed by Circuit Judge Michael P. Mills Jr., with no parole eligibility, though conditional release may be possible upon petition at age 65.
The case began when authorities responded to an unresponsive 3-month-old in Corinth. Medical examinations revealed severe injuries, including multiple skull fractures, brain bleeding, and extensive bruising, indicative of blunt force trauma. Girner initially provided conflicting accounts of the incident, eventually admitting to dropping the child twice after tripping.
The infant's mother, then 16, had noticed bruises days prior but was discouraged from seeking medical attention by Girner, who feared accusations of child abuse. After the infant's death, Girner was arrested and charged, while the mother faced a misdemeanor charge.
Girner is not eligible for parole under Mississippi law but can petition for release when he reaches 65 years old in May 2067. The trial was previously scheduled for July 27.
