TERRY MCKIRCHY CHARGED WITH MURDER IN HOLLYWOOD OVER 30 YEARS AFTER BABY'S INJURIES

Terry McKirchy, a woman previously known for her role as a babysitter in Florida, has recently been charged with murder in connection with a tragic incident that occurred over three decades ago. The case, which has resurfaced after years of legal inactivity, centers around injuries inflicted on a young boy named Benjamin Dowling, who was just a baby at the time.

In July of 1984, McKirchy was 22 years old and was responsible for watching Benjamin at her residence in Hollywood, Florida. According to her account at the time, Benjamin fell off a couch while she was caring for him. However, medical examinations and subsequent investigations revealed a different story. The young child had sustained severe brain trauma, which was attributed to forceful shaking rather than a simple fall. The injuries were so profound that Benjamin was unable to develop beyond the developmental stage of a five-and-a-half-month-old infant. Despite surviving into adulthood, Benjamin's condition was characterized by profound physical and cognitive impairments. His family vividly described his lifelong struggles, stating, 'Benjamin never progressed in development beyond a 5½-month-old infant. Benjamin never crawled, fully rolled over, walked, never talked, never fed himself, he never enjoyed a hamburger or an ice cream cone.' They further lamented, 'Although he lived to be 35 years old, the life we would have lived as a family was forever altered.'

Benjamin's health deteriorated over the years, and he ultimately passed away in September 2019 at the age of 35. An autopsy conducted by the Manatee County Medical Examiner's Office concluded that his death was directly linked to the injuries he sustained during infancy. This revelation prompted renewed interest in the case and led to the reopening of the investigation.

On July 2, 2021, authorities managed to locate and arrest McKirchy at an auto parts store in Sugar Land, Texas, where she was employed at the time. U.S. Marshals tracked her down and took her into custody, and she is now awaiting extradition back to Broward County, Florida, to face the serious charges.

The case was reinvestigated after the medical examiner's findings established a clear connection between the injuries inflicted in 1984 and Benjamin's death. Prosecutors presented the evidence to a grand jury, which subsequently determined that the case constituted homicide. As a result, new charges of murder were filed against McKirchy. Her initial legal history included charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery, for which she had previously entered a plea deal. At that time, she was sentenced to weekend jail visits while pregnant, as she was expecting a child.

Benjamin's family expressed deep sorrow over the lifelong impact of the incident, emphasizing that he was unable to perform basic functions or communicate effectively. They reflected on how his life was forever changed by the injuries sustained in 1984, stating, 'Benjamin was unable to accomplish basic functions or communicate, and his life was forever changed by the incident.' They also voiced hope that justice would finally be served, asserting that if the injuries had not occurred, Benjamin might have enjoyed a normal, fulfilling life. The case continues to develop as authorities pursue justice for Benjamin Dowling and his family.