A Virginia mother will serve just 90 days in jail after pleading guilty to charges connected to the brutal death of her 2-year-old daughter.
Amanda Brittani Mitchell, 35, previously admitted to child abuse, child cruelty, and drug possession. On Friday, 27th Circuit Judge Joey Showalter sentenced her to 45 years in prison—but suspended 44 years and nine months of that sentence, meaning she will only spend three months behind bars.
Her daughter, Harper Mitchell, was beaten to death by Mitchell’s then-boyfriend, Andrew Byrd, 39, while Mitchell was at work. Byrd, who was likely using meth at the time, was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for Harper’s murder in October 2023.
Radford Commonwealth’s Attorney Chris Rehak said Mitchell was not the primary perpetrator, noting she showed some remorse for her inaction. During sentencing, Mitchell said she had forgiven herself and spent the past five years trying to become “the best person Harper would want her to be.”
Judge Showalter called Harper “an angel” and urged Mitchell to reflect on the pain she caused Harper’s family during her short jail term.
Evidence presented during Byrd’s trial revealed the horrific details of that day: Byrd arrived late to pick up Harper, assaulted her, and prevented Mitchell from seeking medical help. Harper was eventually taken to the hospital after her grandmother called 911, but she later died.
At Byrd’s sentencing, Harper’s father tearfully said, “I don’t have my little girl anymore,” while the prosecutor described the child as having been “beaten to a pulp.”
Authorities say Mitchell’s delayed response—waiting over two hours before coming home to check on Harper—contributed to her death, though Byrd’s violent actions also prevented her from calling for help sooner.