Bartlesville Woman Sentenced For Washing Machine Death Of Infant Daughter

Tara Vreeland and Russell Hulstine, News On 6

BARTLESVILLE, Oklahoma -- A Bartlesville woman who pleaded guilty to second degree manslaughter in the death of her 10-day-old daughter was sentenced Wednesday in a Washington County courtroom.

The judge sentenced 27-year-old Lyndsey Fiddler to four years for manslaughter and 30 years with 15 years to serve on a child neglect charge.

Fiddler was initially charged with first degree murder and child neglect in the death of Maggie Trammel on November 4, 2010. Trammel was found dead in a washing machine at Fiddler's Bartlesville apartment.

In late August, Fiddler entered a guilty plea to the reduced manslaughter charge and to the charge of child neglect.

8/11/2011 Related Story : Bartlesville Mother Waives Right To Jury Trial In Death Of Infant Daughter

"I omitted to use ordinary care and caution in regards to supervising Maggie Mae by using and abusing methamphetamine and the prescription drugs," wrote Fiddler, in court papers filed in Washington County.

Fiddler says her actions caused the death of her infant daughter.

In November 2010, Fiddler says she fed bathed and dressed her baby and laid her down. She writes that she passed out on the couch, and when she woke up, she said her Aunt found Maggie May dead in the clothes washing machine.

"Oh it's horrible. Horrible. You don't expect to hear anything like that, especially here," said Dewey resident Tera Rickman.

"I think it's sad. I think it's sad that there is a child that's gone. I think it's sad that anybody got to that stage in their life," said Marion Pyatte, Bartlesville resident.

Fiddler says her aunt, Rhonda Coshatt was also with her in the home when Maggie May drowned. She says her aunt was high on morphine, but that she doesn't know who put the baby in the washer.

Bartlesville police said Coshatt was on prescribed medication and did not break the law. They say Coshatt was investigated, it was discussed with the DA, and they don't expect charges will be filed against her.