Melissa Smith Acquitted of Aggravated Manslaughter

• Melissa Smith ran a day care where a child died in a kiddie pool last year
• She was acquitted of the most serious charges

Melissa Smith Mug Shot

The jury found Melissa Smith guilty of one count of child neglect and three counts of culpable negligence this afternoon. She could’ve received 45 years in prison as originally charged, with Aggravated Manslaughter being the most serious charge. She still faces up to five years when she is sentenced July 3. The trial featured tearful testimony from both the victim’s mother and Ms. Smith, in an undoubtedly tragic case.