HARRISBURG, PA — Brigitte Meckes, 49, has been sentenced to 8 ⅔ years to 17 ⅓ years in prison following her conviction for involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault related to the death of an infant she attempted to deliver at home in Sullivan County. The sentencing was handed down on Tuesday by Sullivan County President Judge Russel Shurtleff, who noted Meckes’ lack of remorse for her role in the incident.
The case, which has garnered significant attention, stems from a 2022 home birth where Meckes, acting as a midwife without a medical license, failed to seek emergency medical care for a newborn in distress. Attorney General Michelle Henry, whose office prosecuted the case, underscored the preventable nature of the tragedy. “This defendant had the means and time to simply pick up a phone and call for aid for a helpless baby who desperately needed it,” Henry stated. “That makes this case even more tragic — that the people who should have been helping, instead let the child die.”
Evidence presented during the trial included text messages between Meckes and the child’s parents, Drew and Amy Hoenigke, indicating their awareness of the baby’s critical condition. Despite recognizing the severity, none of the parties called 9-1-1 for assistance, leading to the infant’s death approximately two days after the birth.
In July, Meckes was found guilty of multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and misdemeanor reckless endangerment. Amy and Drew Hoenigke had previously entered guilty pleas and received sentences related to their involvement.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Jaime Keating led the prosecution, which aimed to bring justice and accountability in light of the grave negligence exhibited. The case emphasizes the importance of adhering to medical protocols and the severe consequences of failing to do so, particularly in situations involving vulnerable lives.
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