Wentzville woman convicted in death of 18-month-old

ST. CHARLES, Mo. -- A former eastern Missouri day-care provider has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of an 18-month-old child.

The verdict for 42-year-old Lisa West was announced Thursday.

The toddler, Mason Beach, died in 2009. Prosecutors say he suffered a head injury caused by West at her home day care in Wentzville. West said the child fell down stairs.

West's attorney, Richard Sindel, said people know her as a caring and peaceful person, who had cared for Mason for 15 months by the time the injury occurred.

St. Charles County prosecutors did not file charges at the time of the death, but reopened the case four years later.

Prosecutors say the county medical examiner concluded the head injuries were caused by striking.