Guilty Verdict In Salina Child Abuse Case

A Salina man is found guilty of felony murder in connection with the death of a child two-years-ago.

Officials tell KSAL News that a jury on Thursday found 27-year-old Troy Love guilty of felony murder and child abuse. He was found not guilty of a second child abuse charge.

The case stems from the April, 2012, death of 18-month-old Bre’Elle Jefferson. After being found unresponsive, Bre’Elle was taken to Salina Regional Health Center on the afternoon of April 9th. She was transferred to a Wichita hospital, where she died a day later on April 10th.

After a warrant was issued for his arrest, Love turned himself into Salina Police on April 23rd.

During the trial, which lasted about a week and a half, jurors were told that Bre’Elle suffered numerous injuries over a period of time including fractured ribs and vertebrae, and bruised buttocks. She also had swollen eyes and missing hair.

During the time period Love was the primary care giver for Bre’Elle as her mother Robin Harrington recovered from a back injury. He was Harrington’s boyfriend at the time.

Love could face a life sentence without the possibility of parole in connection with the murder charge.

Sentencing is set for June 30th.