Cole Co. woman convicted of child endangerment sentenced to 5 years

A former Mid-Missouri daycare owner was sentenced to 5 years in prison Tuesday for child endangerment.

In 2010, Shelley Richter was accused of shaking a baby, leaving him brain damaged and blind.

This past December Richter was convicted in Cole County court.

The family of 5-year-old Lane Schaefer told the courtroom how their lives have been forever changed by the actions of Richter.

The incident happened in August 2010.

In December, doctors testified how Lane’s injuries were consistent with being shaken.

Lane was 7 months old at the time, and was in the courtroom Tuesday.

Lane’s mother Jessica explained how heartbroken she and her husband are that Lane will never have a normal life.

They said doctors told them it’s unlikely he’ll ever be able to walk, see, or function normally.

Right now, Jessica said she takes him to a special school in Kansas City three days per week.

The family said every day is a struggle.

Richter didn’t take the stand, but her attorney asked the court to consider probation because she is a first time offender.

While the family and prosecutor said they have a little bit of closure, the believe Richter should have received the maximum sentence.

Richter will have the option to appeal.