Monday, October 12, 2009

Attorney General Steve Six announced today that a Montgomery County woman was found guilty of felony murder and child abuse in the death of a 23-month-old girl in her care. Melissa Cynthia Wells Coons of Coffeyville was found guilty by a Montgomery County jury on Friday, October 9, 2009.

The child, Brooklyn Coons, was the daughter of Randy Coons. He and Wells lived together with four children. On January 17, 2008, Wells shook or beat Brooklyn, ultimately causing her death. Wells was charged with first degree felony murder and child abuse in September 2008.

Sentencing has been scheduled for December 3, 2009. The sentence for felony murder is a maximum sentence of life with parole eligibility after 20 years. The sentencing range for child abuse is 31 to 136 months.