MEMPHIS, TN – Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons announced Friday that a jury convicted a Memphis man for violently shaking, beating and killing his 2-month-old daughter in May 2006.
The jury found Eric Cathey, 30, guilty of first degree murder in the perpetration of aggravated child abuse, aggravated child abuse and aggravated child neglect.
On May 9, 2006, the victim, Erica Cathey, was transported to Lebonheur Children’s Medical Center in critical condition and placed on life support after Eric Cathey reported the child was unresponsive and not breathing. The victim was in Eric Cathey’s care while her mother was at work. The victim had several broken bones, fractures and severe head trauma consistent with being violently shaken.
On May 10, 2006, Eric Cathey was charged with aggravated child abuse. On May 15, 2006, Erica Cathey died as a result of her injuries. The medical examiner ruled the child’s death a homicide due to multiple blunt force traumas. On May 26, 2006, police charged Eric Cathey with first degree murder in perpetration of aggravated child abuse.
Eric Cathey will be sentenced to life in prison for the murder charge and faces 15-25 years for the additional two charges. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 23.
First degree murder is a charge covered by the D.A.’s “No Deals” policy on violent crimes. Exceptions are made to the policy for legal and ethical reasons.
Assistant District Attorneys Marianne Bell and Scot Bearup prosecuted this case. Both are assigned to the Child Protection Investigative Team which prosecutes crimes of severe child physical abuse and child sexual abuse. |