Clara Edwards Gets 20-Year Sentence In Death Of Foster Child In Catoosa County

  • Monday, June 27, 2016

A Catoosa County woman on Monday was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison in connection with the death of a foster child.

Clara Louise Edwards entered a guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter as a lesser included offense of felony murder before Judge Ralph Van Pelt.

Ms. Edwards was indicted in July of 2014 by the Catoosa County Grand Jury for malice murder, felony murder and cruelty to children in the first degree in connection with the death of Saharah Weatherspoon, a foster child who had been placed in her and her husband Ron Edwards’ care in early 2013.

 On Dec. 29, 2013, the child was taken to T.C. Thompson’s Childrens Hospital with a traumatic brain injury.  She died a short time later as a result of the injury.

Ms. Edwards was tried before a Catoosa County jury in February and the jury acquitted her on the malice murder charge and convicted her on the cruelty to children in the first degree. A mistrial was declared on the remaining count of felony murder when the jury reached an impasse 10-2 in favor of conviction. 

Ms. Edwards was represented by Daniel J. Ripper, an attorney with Luther Andersen in Chattanooga.

The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Herbert "Buzz" Franklin and Catoosa County Senior Assistant District Attorney Alan C. Norton.

 

Latest Headlines
Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 3/19/2024

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: AWOLOWO, APRIL 105 EUCLID STREET ATHENS, 373030000 Age at Arrest: 36 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff THEFT OVER $1000 BARNETT, ... more

Senator Colton Moore Challenger Hits "An Incumbent Bent On Self-Promotion Instead Of Humble Leadership"
  • 3/18/2024

Angela Pence, a Chickamauga resident who is making a race against 53rd District Senator Colton Moore, said she aims to bring principled, effective leadership "to a district that has gone unheard ... more

Wamp Pushing For Tighter Local Lobbying Rules, Tax Abatement Policies; Bigger Share Of Sales Tax
  • 3/18/2024

County Mayor Weston Wamp spoke to the Pachyderm Club on Monday about the significance of a state basketball title, the need for local lobbying regulations and tightening up on tax abatement policies. ... more