Breaking News:

Nurse gets one-year in jail for death of foster child, Utah AG upset

Jul 30, 2020, 10:17 AM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:22 am

foster child Utah reyes election lawsuit...

FILE -- Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes talks to members of the media regarding the opioid epidemic during a roundtable discussion at Jordan Academy for Technology & Careers South Campus on Monday, May 21, 2018, in Riverton. (Jacob Wiegand, Deseret News)

(Jacob Wiegand, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes says the one-year prison sentence for a Utah nurse whose foster child died in her care is too lenient, calling the judge’s decision “beyond disappointing” and a “travesty.”

Guilty plea

The case at hand revolves around Lisa Jo Vanderlinden, a Duchene County nurse.

Prosecutors say her 2-year-old foster son, Lucas Call, had acted out during dinner on Aug. 4, 2018. Family members say they heard the child vomiting and Vanderlinden yelling, followed by a “loud bang” from the bathroom where she was caring for him. Court documents indicate that Vanderlinden later said she had become “mad and frustrated.”

When police responded to her home the next day they found the child deceased, with bruises on his face and much of his body. They say Vanderlinden had become increasingly frustrated with Lucas in the days before his death. She later admitted that she did not seek the prompt medical attention that would have saved the boy from deadly damage to his internal organs.

Vanderlinden originally faced a charge of aggravated murder, which is a first-degree felony. In March of this year, she pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of child abuse homicide, also a first-degree felony.

Controversial one-year sentence

Wednesday, Vanderlinden was ordered to serve just one year in jail and 14 years of probation. 8th District Judge Samuel Chiara also ordered her to pay a $10,000 fine.

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, whose prosecutors had argued for the maximum sentence available — at least five years and up to life in prison — is outraged by the judge’s decision.

“It’s a travesty and undermines the confidence of the public in our justice system’s ability to protect kids from abuse and homicide,” says Reyes. “We are at a loss as to why the court ruled the way it did.”

Not everyone is siding with the state’s top legal officer, though.

“This is a statement from a politician in an election year, a politician who had literally nothing to do with the prosecution of this case,” says defense attorney Ed Brass.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Judge orders Trump administration to temporarily allow USAID funds...

ELLEN KNICKMEYER and LINDSAY WHITEHURST, Associated Press

Judge orders Trump administration to temporarily allow funds for foreign aid to flow again

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily lift a three-week funding freeze that has shut down U.S. aid and development programs abroad.

6 hours ago

X Games CEO Jeremy Bloom signs a Salt Lake City-themed skateboard deck for Salt Lake City Mayor Eri...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

X Games coming to Salt Lake City in June as it expands its global footprint

The three-day X Games event will bring over 100 of the top BMX, Moto X and skateboarding athletes to Salt Lake City in an "invite-only" format.

11 hours ago

This photo provided by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows an Igloo 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rol...

Associated Press

Igloo recalls 1 million coolers after fingertip amputation injuries

The now-recalled “Igloo 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers” have a tow handle can pinch users' fingertips against the product.

13 hours ago

FILE - People wave signs to passing cars during a pro-transgender rights protest outside of Seattle...

LEA SKENE Associated Press

Federal judge pauses President Trump’s order restricting gender-affirming care for trans youth

Trumps order blocks support for gender-affirming health care for transgender people under age 19.

14 hours ago

Traffic being diverted from southbound I-15 in Farr West after a fatal crash on Thursday. (Utah Dep...

Michael Houck

Driver killed after crashing into back of semitruck on I-15

According to Utah Highway Patrol troopers, the fatal crash happened on SB I-15 near the Box Elder/Weber county lines.

14 hours ago

New bill helps English-learning students...

Adam Small

Bill helps Utah schools facing influx of English-learning students moves to Senate

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would help Utah schools address a surge in English-learning students is just one vote away from heading to the governor’s desk. HB42, sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman, was unanimously passed by a Utah Senate committee Thursday morning. Now it only needs approval from Utah Senate to reach […]

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Nurse gets one-year in jail for death of foster child, Utah AG upset