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Closing arguments heard in ex-babysitter’s involuntary manslaughter trial following infant’s overdose death

Umito November 14, 2024

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Jury deliberations have begun in the manslaughter trial of former babysitter Dixie Villa.

Villa is accused of giving 7-month-old Abigail Lobisch a fatal dose of Benadryl in 2019, subsequently causing her death.

After a week-long trial, both sides presented their final submissions in court on Wednesday.

Defense attorney Megan Kau reiterated that there was not enough evidence to detail and clearly prove what happened, and that there was no evidence to prove who administered the lethal dose to the child.

“Denise (Dixie) is not guilty, because after all these days of trial, after all these witnesses, no one has still told us what happened. Nobody told us how Abigail Lobisch died,” Kau said.

Prosecutors argued that testimony and medical experts make it clear who is to blame.

“You are not without evidence to support your reason and common sense. During jury selection, everyone said they wanted evidence beyond what people were saying, and you have evidence. You have it in the form of testimony from first responders, civilian witnesses, Brianna and Anna, experts, state doctors. You have the evidence,” said Assistant Prosecutor Tiffany Kaeo.

Kau argued there were still outstanding questions about who had access to the baby when the incident occurred, including the teenagers who were in Villa’s home.

“The government has to convince you beyond a reasonable doubt,” Kau told the jury. “No, ‘Oh, it must have happened like that.’ Not: “I think it could have happened this way.” Not: “It probably happened this way.” The government must prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. evidence, or lack of evidence. It cannot be based on the prosecutor’s final statement: “It must have happened this way.”

Prosecutors said the defense was trying to shift blame.

“The defense would have you believe there is blame to be had. Blame Abby’s mother who may have taken a medication she was allergic to. Blame the detective for not collecting evidence five months after Abby’s death. Blame the medical examiner for concluding that Abby’s death was due to toxicity and nothing else. blame everyone, but ignore the actions and choices of the accused,” Kaeo said.

During the trial, Villa did not appear on the stand.

Deliberations are expected to continue on Thursday.