JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A mother who was convicted in August of neglect by culpable negligence in the 2021 shooting death of her daughter was sentenced Friday to 51.15 months (4.25 years) in a Florida state prison, followed by 24 months of probation.
Amanda Guthrie was also sentenced to 32 days in Duval County jail and has to pay $518 in court costs for possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis.
The mother went on trial in August for the death of her 14-year-old daughter Ayva Gutherie.
Guthrie said the gun unintentionally discharged when she was taking it away from her child, who was playing with it at the time in January 2021.
A Jacksonville jury acquitted Guthrie of aggravated manslaughter of a child, manslaughter, shooting or throwing deadly missiles, and armed possession of marijuana, but she was found guilty of neglect by culpable negligence and possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis.
“The jury obviously rejected the state’s arguments and felony charges and determined that this was not manslaughter and not gross and flagrant conduct, but misdemeanor culpable negligence,” said Richard Landes, Guthrie’s attorney.
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Guthrie was facing up to 15 years in prison.
To fight that number, impact statements were read on behalf of Amanda during her sentencing hearing on Friday.
“Your honor, Amanda is love and light she doesn’t need reform. She’s not someone you have to worry about years down the road. Having the gun out was not reckless or neglectful, your honor, it was out to protect the family,” said Ashley McMullin, Amanda’s wife.
Amanda also spoke and talked about what life has been like since her daughter died.
“I miss the ‘I love yous’ we said every day,” Guthrie said. “I feel so much remorse for those who were close to her and struggle with this pain of loss.”
After Amanda finished, it was time for the other side to give their statements on why Amanda should get the maximum prison time.
“Amanda’s actions have left a hole in our family,” Kittima Begier, Ayva’s grandmother, said.
Ayva’s dad Aaron Begier also spoke and said he’s been mad since his daughter died.
“Ayva was and still is my baby girl. She is smart funny sassy and caring. A true masterpiece that she had a full life to live. She was ripped from me,” Aaron said.
After all of the impact statements were read, the judge handed down the sentence of over four years in prison.
Apart from her prison sentence, the judge said Guthrie has to forfeit all firearms and she cannot possess any weapons, guns or ammunition. She also has to refrain from using drugs or alcohol, and she has to go through a mental evaluation and take all medications as prescribed by physicians.
The judge acknowledged that everyone in court Friday loved Ayva, and that’s what made this case so difficult.
Guthrie has already served 32 days in jail, which will be credited toward her sentence.