Albuquerquesentences two to prison for toddlers death

Two people were sentenced to prison Friday in Albuquerque for their roles in the death of a three-year-old girl. Christina Pena-Cantor received 12 years and James Welch received one and a half years for their involvement in the child’s death.

In 2024, the child’s mother, Kerri Santos, brought her three-year-old daughter to University of New Mexico Hospital, saying the girl had fallen from a toilet, police said. Doctors quickly learned the child was already dead. Further examination revealed signs of abuse along with evidence of being tied up.

Police learned Pena-Cantor was responsible for tying the girl up multiple times while staying at Welch’s home. Pena-Cantor was deemed the “ringleader” of the abuse according to the state.

Judge David Murphy issued the sentences.