PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A 44-year-old Harrison woman who killed her 4-month-old baby with a lethal dose of anti-anxiety medication has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for manslaughter.

Pamela Henderson was charged with murder in the March 5, 2008, death of her son Zachary, but pleaded guilty last month to the lesser charge. She was sentenced Monday in Cumberland County Superior Court.

Henderson initially told police that Zachary drowned accidentally when she fell asleep while the two were in the bathtub.

Friends and family members told the judge that Henderson had been a good mother until her life went off track by an addiction to prescription medications.

Justice Roland Cole imposed a 22-year sentence with six years suspended.


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