Stories of heartbreak and devastation filled the fourth floor courtroom at the Marion County Courthouse Tuesday at the sentencing of a Pella woman responsible for the death of a young child in her care.

Valerie Wackerly received deferred judgement and three years probation after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter, a class D felony.

During the hearing, the family members of Amelia Smith–the 17-month old child who died in the June incident, shared their grief, anger, and pain in witness impact statements. Her mother, father, and grandparents read tearful stories of sorrow for the loss of “Mia.” The family asked Wackerly to accept guilt and help them share their story to prevent other tragedies. At the end of the hearing, Wackerly apologized to those affected.

The child died when left in a car seat by Wackerly, who left her in a dark room alone. Amelia lost her life after choking on the restraints. Amelia’s mother Lisa Smith told KNIA/KRLS News the child was a vibrant, healthy, and active girl that “deserved better.”

“Our little girl was an amazing individual,” Lisa says. “She had a knack for a beat, and her middle name was sort of predestined I think for a lot of musical talent that we were just beginning to tap into.”

“Her smile, and her laughter, her mischievousness were really something that we were excited to follow for the rest of her life.”

Marion County Attorney Ed Bull says Wackerly needed to be held accountable for her actions, and credits the Smith family for their courage as they let the legal process play out.

“I give all the credit in the world to Lisa and Chad Smith, Mia’s parents, they were tremendous partners for this process. Our office listened to their wishes and we were able to come to a resolution in this case very quickly. It was the Smith’s desire not to have a case that dragged out for a number of years through the litigation process.”

Bull says the family wanted to transition to a position of advocacy to save the lives of others.

Wackerly was also ordered to pay $150,000 restitution, not to care for any children other than her own during probation, and record a PSA about safe sleeping practices for infants.