A Radford mother has been sentenced in connection with the 2020 death of her 2-year-old daughter, Harper Mitchell.
On Friday, November 14, Amanda Mitchell was sentenced to 45 years in prison, with 44 years and nine months suspended, leaving her to serve 90 days in the Virginia Department of Corrections. She will also be under active supervised probation for 39 years.
According to court documents, Mitchell pleaded guilty to the following charges:
-
Child abuse
-
Child cruelty
-
Drug possession
The original murder charge against her was previously dismissed.
During the hearing, the judge—who has presided over the case since its beginning—described Harper as an “angel” who “did not deserve what she went through.” He also urged Mitchell to reflect on how the loss continues to affect Harper’s father’s family, especially during the holidays.
Mitchell testified before sentencing, expressing sorrow over her daughter’s death. She said she has worked over the past five years to become “the best person Harper would want her to be” and claimed she has forgiven herself.
Harper’s death was also connected to Mitchell’s boyfriend at the time, Andrew Byrd, who was convicted of murder in 2023. Byrd is currently serving two consecutive life sentences.
Leave a Comment