Alabama Soldier Convicted in Daughter’s Death

Jurors have convicted a former Fort Rucker solider of involuntarily manslaughter in the 2011 death of his 4-year-old daughter.

Jurors returned the guilty verdict for Benjamin Schrad on Wednesday following a two-day trial.

Authorities have said Emily Schrad died Aug. 4, 2011 from a brain injury.

Jurors watched a videotaped interview of Schrad telling investigators that he got too rough while play wrestling. The investigator testified that Schrad said he was frustrated and distracted and the girl’s head hit the wall.

Prosecutors did not accuse Schrad of intentionally killing his daughter. Prosecutor Susan Redmond told jurors that Schrad lost control of his anger and caused the girl’s injury.

A defense lawyer argued the girl’s vomiting and brain scan suggested she had a preexisting injury.

 

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