FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: MAY 11, 2017
RE: PRESS RELEASE – KAYLA PAGAN
MARLBOROUGH MOM SENTENCED TO JAIL & PROBATION FOR DAUGHTER’S DROWNING IN BATHTUB LAST SUMMER
In Ulster County Court today 26 year old Kayla Pagan was sentenced to a period of local incarceration in combination with 5 years of probation supervision following her plea in March to the felony of Criminally Negligent Homicide for the drowning death of her 10 month old daughter, Lilliana Ryerson, in a bathtub at their home at 8 Hideaway Lane, in Marlborough.
The drowning death occurred in the evening of July 8, 2016, when Kayla Pagan left her daughter with toys for several minutes in a plugged bathtub filling with water while she attended to other minor matters and interests inside and outside of the house. The child’s father, Richard Ryerson, returned home from work to find his daughter. Infant CPR performed by the father and a neighbor with instructions from the 911 operator did not save the child’s life.
Lilliana’s father, Richard Ryerson, was present in court with several members of his and Kayla’s families; he spoke and asked the court to let Kayla Pagan out of jail and require strict supervision and counseling for her.
“This is a terribly sad case. It is clear to us that what happened was not intentional. Ms. Pagan accepted responsibility from the day of the incident. Our office feels that nothing would be gained by the imposition of an additional jail sentence. Collectively, our hearts go out to the families involved”, stated DA Holley Carnright.