A mother of six whose infant son starved to death at a homeless shelter will spend the next nine to 18 years behind bars
Tanya Williams, 35, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the 2010 death of 2-month old Quasir Alexander.
The harshest penalty was in the near-death of Alexander's surviving twin, who was also malnourished. That's because a jury this year convicted Williams of aggravated assault in his case.
After her prison sentence, Williams must complete another eight years of probation on call charges.
Defense lawyer Gregory Pagano said that Williams was overwhelmed after the low-weight twins were sent home to live with her and four siblings at a West Philadelphia homeless shelter.
Pagano says caseworkers assigned to help her did not do their jobs.
Williams was the only person charged, although two Lutheran Children and Family Service workers lost their jobs.
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Pagano argued that Williams has an IQ of 65. According to her Lutheran case file, she was excited when she had the twins, at least partly because she thought it would help her get in to public housing.
Williams' five surviving children were removed from her care.
In court Friday, she expressed remorse for Quasir's death and said she hopes to be reunited someday with her five surviving children one day.
