By: Richard L. Smith
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II announced today that an Essex County jury convicted Claire Gelin, 44, of Irvington of manslaughter and two counts endangering the welfare of a child in the death of a two-year-old child in Irvington.
The verdict came after a seven-day trial before the Honorable Ronald D. Wigler, J.S.C.
Gelin was babysitting the victim, around the clock, in her apartment from February 15 to February 19, 2021.
The child sustained serious injuries from physical abuse on February 17 and February 18, but Gelin did not seek aid until she called 911 on Friday, February 19.
Upon the arrival of first responders, the child was in cardiac arrest and was rushed to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital.
Gelein told detectives that the injuries were caused by the victim, but that was contradicted by medical experts
Gelin faces a sentence of up to ten years in prison, subject to the No Early Release Act on the manslaughter conviction when sentenced by Judge Wigler on October 7, 2024.
Gelin will remain in custody at the Essex County Correctional Facility pending sentence.
Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards, who tried the case for the State said: “This was a particularly difficult case given the physical abuse sustained by such a young child. We appreciate that that these jurors were willing to serve and stay focused throughout the trial.” Assistant Prosecutor Christian Marin, who tried the case along with AP Edwards, added: “We hope that the victim’s family feels that justice was done.”