HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Attorney General, Michelle Henry, announced that a Bedford County woman, Chelsea R. Cooley, aged 33, has been convicted and sentenced for the murder of a three-year-old boy. Pleading guilty to third-degree murder among other charges, Cooley received a sentence ranging from 40 to 80 years in prison. The sentencing took place in Bedford County Court this Monday.
The tragic incident unfolded on May 28, 2022, when the child was discovered unresponsive at Cooley’s residence, a situation exacerbated by baby wipes obstructing his airway. The victim, the child of Cooley’s boyfriend, was pronounced dead the following day after being rushed to the hospital. An investigation by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office suggested the child was strangled and asphyxiated, noting the location of the wipes and additional injuries.
Attorney General Henry described the circumstances as “horrific,” condemning Cooley’s actions as a betrayal of her role as caregiver. The investigation, led by the Pennsylvania State Police, revealed Cooley was the only adult present during the crime, while the boy’s father was at work. Additionally, accounts from neighbors and delayed emergency response actions by Cooley contributed to the charges, including strangulation and endangering the welfare of a child.