SOUTH BEND - Aaron Ayala Silva, 27, of South Bend, was sentenced to the maximum authorized by the statute for the assault and murder of his 11-month-old child. The sentencing took place in Pacific County Superior Court with Judge Mike Sullivan presiding Friday afternoon.
"We were pleased that Judge Sullivan agreed with our assessment and followed our request for the maximum sentence of 244 months in prison,"Pacific County Prosecutor Mark McClain told the Herald. "We were able to increase the maximum authorized by adding additional charges of assaulting the child and an unrelated charge.
"So despite the fact that the now 23-year-old mother of Ayala Silva's first child, who, while addressing the court to proclaim that she was not a victim and that she was only six months shy of the legal age of consent, did not agree with the charge, I believed adding that charge, along with the assault charge was reasonable to ensure Mr. Ayala Silva received the long and deserved sentence," McClain said.
Ayala Silva will also be on a community custody following his release from prison unless he is deported.
Atkins Jailed on 3 Charges
Travis Atkins, 34, of Raymond entered a guilty plea to first degree malicious mischief and bail jumping and was also sentenced to three counts of unlawful harassment and sentenced to a year in prison.
In March, officers responded to the report that Atkins had threatened to kill his former roommates. Officers learned that the homeowners had allowed Atkins, who they believed was down on his luck, to stay with them while he looked for work. Atkins claimed to be a former military veteran needing help. His behavior retreated and they made him leave, which upset Atkins.
Atkins was arrested for the threats and eventually entered a guilty plea. However, he was released to seek mental health assistance before being sentenced.
Unfortunately, Atkins failed to return for sentencing and a warrant was issued. When he was arrested on the warrant, he broke out the window of the police vehicle.
"I believe that Atkins had some mental health issues and was attempting to work with him, while also protecting the community and the victim, but when he was released from treatment and didn't return, we had to issue a warrant and the resulting conduct had to be addressed," McClain said. "Fortunately, Mr. Atkins will be monitored by the Department of Corrections following release to ensure he remains compliant with his medications and we believe that level of care will help me avoid harm to others."