A Michigan court delivered a sentence on June 11 to the parents of a newborn who tragically passed away just days after her birth.
Joshua and Rachel Piland have been sentenced to serve a minimum of 20 years, potentially up to 45 years, following the tragic death of their daughter Abigail in 2017.
The couple was convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree child abuse in March after a three-week trial in Ingham County Circuit Court.
Tragedy struck when Abigail, only three days old, succumbed to dangerously high bilirubin levels in her brain. The Pilands were advised to seek medical help shortly after her birth, as the midwife had alerted them to their daughter’s jaundice, as detailed in a 2018 application for leave to file an appeal obtained by PEOPLE.
On February 6, 2017, Rachel welcomed her baby at home, and everything went smoothly. At that moment, Abigail seemed to be in good health, as reported by her midwife, Sandra McCurdy, to the authorities looking into the situation.
The next day, McCurdy reported returning to discover that Abigail’s skin had taken on a yellow hue, prompting her to recommend that the parents pursue medical assistance.
Tragedy struck as Abigail’s life came to an abrupt end the very next day. Rather than reaching out to the authorities or McCurdy, the Pilands opted to contact friends, who assisted them in praying for the baby to be “resurrected,” as stated in the application.
It was only that night, when Rachel’s brother discovered the tragic news of his niece’s death, that authorities were finally alerted.
Lansing Police Officer Stacey Browe reported that the couple and their friends were engaged in prayer for the child when she arrived to speak with the parents, more than nine hours following Abigail’s passing.
In a groundbreaking first interview with law enforcement, Joshua firmly defended his choice.
An autopsy has determined that Abigail’s death was caused by elevated bilirubin levels in her brain, a condition that would have presented as jaundice.
According to the application, the parents expressed to a representative of Child Protective Services that they opted to “trust in the word of God rather than the symptoms” and believed that “any medical issue that cannot be managed with basic first aid is entrusted to God.”
At that moment, their two eldest children were taken away from them. A recent court hearing revealed that Joshua rejected a previous ruling, stating he would not comply with a mandate prohibiting him from physically disciplining the children. He argued that his methods were essential for instilling obedience, according to the application.
Over the past eight years, Rachel has welcomed two more children into her life, only to have both taken from her custody right after their births, as detailed in court documents.
A couple previously found guilty of manslaughter in 2019 for the death of Abigail faced a new twist as the judge allowed for the possibility of refiled charges soon after the initial verdict.
During the trial, the couple remained steadfast in their convictions. The jury expressed serious apprehension about the potential risk posed by the two, highlighting the possibility of another child’s life being at stake.
The Pilands are currently held at Ingham County Jail as they await their designated prison assignments.
