Mother sentenced to 25 Years after toddler's death; chilling text revealed

On October 10, 2023, in Locust Fork, Alabama, a mother was sentenced to 25 years in prison for her involvement in the death of her 18-month-old son, Enzo McCormack, five years ago. Samantha McCormack, now 30, admitted to felony murder in connection with child abuse, leading to her sentencing by a Blount County judge

Earlier this year, her former partner, Robert Keith Elmore Jr., was sentenced to life without parole for capital murder. District Attorney Pamela Casey argued that McCormack knowingly left Enzo in Elmore’s care despite his abusive history, according to AL.com.

In September 2019, Enzo suffered blunt force trauma and injuries from violent shaking. McCormack initially told investigators she heard a noise while using the bathroom and found Enzo choking on cereal. She claimed she was taking him to get checked out, but still found time to buy cigarettes and gas on the way. At the gas station, Elmore's sister saw the boy was limp and freezing, so she called 911 immediately.

They rushed Enzo to Children's Hospital and connected him to machines to keep him alive. Doctors determined on September 9 that no further measures could save the child's life.

Medical evidence presented in court revealed that Enzo had suffered blunt force trauma and injuries from violent shaking. Dr. Valerie Green, a forensic pathologist with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, testified that the child had multiple contusions on his scalp and numerous retinal hemorrhages, indicating severe shaking.

Elmore, who was with the toddler while McCormack worked, claimed he dropped the child because Enzo pulled his chest hairs. However, phone records showed Elmore had sent a message to McCormack on September 6, stating that Enzo "ain't breathing rite ... he is limp ... almost blue."

Elmore was charged with capital murder in 2023 and will never see the outside of a prison again.

The district attorney expressed horror at the case. “I cannot understand someone doing what Elmore did. But, as a mother, I cannot understand how a mother could leave their child in the care of someone the mother knows to have been abusive to the child. Obviously, there is nothing we can do to bring Enzo back. But, we have sought justice for Enzo. Elmore and McCormack will be held accountable within the extent the law allows.”

As the community grapples with this heartbreaking case, authorities hope the convictions will bring some measure of justice for Enzo. The sentences handed down to McCormack and Elmore ensure they will face long-term consequences for their actions.