Taunton Woman Sentenced on ‘Severe’ Child Abuse Charges

TAUNTON (WBSM) —  A Taunton woman was sentenced Friday to serve six to eight years in prison after being convicted of "severe" child abuse, according to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office.

Alanna Taylor, 32, was convicted in Fall River Superior Court on indictments charging her with assault and battery on a child, substantial bodily injury and obstruction of justice.

Taylor and her fiancé had one biological daughter together, and she had another daughter from a previous relationship. In September 2019, Taylor was living in the home with the two-year-old victim, the father, and Taylor's two children.

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On December 11, 2019, a friend of Taylor made a 911 call after Taylor was found holding the two-year-old victim, described as "lifeless." According to court documents, Taylor did not want DCYF involved and refused to make the emergency call.

The child was taken to Morton Hospital and then med flighted to Hasbro Children's Hospital in critical condition. He suffered a head injury that resulted in a subdural hemorrhage. The child also had bilateral ear bruising and bruising on his cheek and jaw.

The doctor testified that the injuries were "consistent with life-threatening inflicted injury and child physical abuse."

During police interviews, Taylor told police the child fell off the toilet and hit his head. Text messages later recovered from the friend's phone showed conversations with Taylor, who wanted her to lie since she was her only witness.

The evidence at trial proved Taylor caused a near-fatal injury to the child's head, the D.A.'s Office said.