Amy Parmer

Background

Amy Parmer was a 29-year-old woman from Hiawatha who was convicted in the death of 17-month-old Kamryn Schlitter. Kamryn died in 2010 from blunt force head injuries. Parmer was convicted in September (2013) of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment resulting in death.

Parmer’s ex-boyfriend and the child’s father, Zyriah Schlitter, was convicted last December of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment resulting in death and was serving 50 years in prison.

The offence

Kamryn Schlitter died from blunt force head injuries on March 28, 2010.

Parmer was accused of causing or having knowledge of physical abuse that led to Kamryn’s death. According to the prosecution’s theory, Parmer, along with ex-boyfriend Zyriah Schlitter, inflicted Kamryn’s physical abuse or each knew of the abuse and did nothing to stop it during the last month of Kamryn’s life, while Schlitter had sole custody of the child.

Medical testimony described Kamryn’s injuries as resulting from inflicted trauma consistent with child abuse. Multiple doctors testified that Kamryn had severe head injuries and bruising consistent with abuse, and that Kamryn would have required “heroic” measures to save her.

Investigation

Medical testimony included discussion of two possible head injuries and disputes over timing of the injuries relative to when Parmer called 911 and when Parmer cared for Kamryn.

A number of details were disputed during the trial, including:

• Whether Kamryn suffered two distinct head injuries (an older injury and a more recent injury).
• The timing of the recent injury relative to Parmer’s 911 call.

A video of Kamryn taken by Zyriah Schlitter March 20, 2010 was discussed in testimony as showing Kamryn functioning normally before the next day, March 21, 2010.

Trial

Charges and status during trial

Parmer was charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment resulting in death. She was also convicted of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment resulting in death after trial.

Jury selection and trial schedule

Parmer’s trial started Aug. 19, 2013. Closing arguments wrapped up Sept. 16, 2013. The jury deliberations began at 9 a.m. Tuesday (Sept. 2013).

Opening statements

The jury was seated late Wednesday afternoon, and opening statements began Thursday at 9 a.m. in Linn County District Court. The trial was expected to last three weeks.

The prosecution’s theory at the start of trial was that Parmer, along with Kamryn’s father and ex-boyfriend, Zyriah Schlitter, both inflicted Kamryn’s physical abuse or knew of the other’s abuse and did nothing to stop it while Schlitter had sole custody of the child for the last month of her life.

Medical testimony and disputes over timing

Dr. Charles Jennissen and Dr. Gwen Erkonon

Dr. Charles Jennissen testified that Kamryn had severe retinal hemorrhaging typical of a child that had been “viciously shaken,” and that Kamryn had sub-dural bleeding in her brain, with cranial pressure causing the brain to shift. Dr. Jennissen said the head injury could not be explained by accidental trauma.

Dr. Gwen Erkonon testified that Kamryn’s injuries and bruises on her forehead, cheeks, jaw area, arms, and chest indicated she was a victim of child abuse. Dr. Erkonon also testified that she believed the fatal head injury occurred within 24 hours of the 911 call made by Parmer March 21, 2010 and cited a video taken March 20, 2010 showing Kamryn functioning normally, talking, and being playful before March 21, when Parmer called 911. Dr. Erkonon testified that the retinal hemorrhaging indicated she had been shaken, causing acceleration-deceleration injuries resulting in severe brain swelling and shifting. She testified that the pattern of bruising in different stages of aging indicated a battered child, and discussed locations of bruises, including bruises on the cheeks and unusual forehead bruising.

The testimony included disagreement about timing and what could be ruled out.

Dr. Michael D’Alessandro

Dr. Michael D’Alessandro testified that he thought the non-accidental injury—either a shaking or slamming incident—occurred closer to hours than days. He testified that there was “a tremendous amount of blood and swelling (of the brain)” and that it would be hard to have this much swelling and blood for very long. He testified that an MRI taken March 22, 2010 showed massive swelling and an interruption of blood flow, and said the stroke could have resulted from shaking or slamming.

Dr. D’Alessandro testified that Kamryn had no other fractures to her body, spine, or neck. He testified that “Everything was ruled out except a non-accidental trauma,” and said it could have been a slamming against a hard or soft surface, a shaking, or a combination.

He also testified that he considered a video taken the day before the 911 call and that, based on that video, he believed the injury occurred after it.

He stated: “I don’t believe a child with the injury I saw on the CT would have looked and acted like Kamryn did in that video.”

Dr. Susannah Longmuir

Dr. Susannah Longmuir testified about Kamryn’s eyes and retinal hemorrhaging in both eyes, as well as retinal folds throughout. She testified that there was no other explanation for the layers of folding besides non-accidental trauma.

Dr. Gregory Albert

Dr. Gregory Albert, a neurosurgeon, testified about performing surgery on Kamryn to relieve pressure of a subdural hematoma. He removed the hematoma and part of her skull to allow the brain to swell and preserve functioning. He testified that the surgery did not improve her condition and that there was no other surgical procedure they could do for her. Kamryn was taken off life support and died March 28, 2010.

Defense pathologist and medical witnesses

Dr. Peter Stephens testified for the defense and disputed state expert timing. He testified that there was no way to determine if there were two different bleeds from looking at the pathologists’ reports. Stephens testified that Kamryn’s head trauma caused a sub dural hematoma but could have been 24-48 hours old. He disputed testimony from at least three doctors for the state that the recent injury occurred within hours to days of Parmer calling 911 March 21, 2010.

Steps in Stephens’ testimony included discussion of whether there could be two bleeding events, and he agreed there was no evidence supporting a mechanism for re-bleeding that would require blood coming from blood vessels.

Judge Marsha Beckelman denied a motion for a direct verdict of acquittal and denied the defense motion for mistrial after testimony and discussion about discovery and medical expert review.

Defense medical experts disputed the state’s witnesses, and Stephens disputed:

• Whether there were two injuries with different time frames.
• Whether the recent injury timing could implicate Parmer as the one who inflicted the fatal rotational head injury.

Video and interview evidence

A video of Parmer’s interview with a special agent of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation was played during trial.

In her interview, Parmer said:

• Kamryn and her father stayed at her home almost every night since they got together, including the last month of Kamryn’s life.
• She helped care for Kamryn.
• She cleaned up Kamryn’s vomit a few times during the last few weeks of her life when Kamryn was sick.
• Kamryn “was a good girl” and “never cried for her.”
• Schlitter would get frustrated with Kamryn at times when she was crying, and he told Parmer: “I don’t know what to do with you.”
• She said she was concerned by Schlitter’s frustration.
• She said she was not aware of bruises on Kamryn being investigated by DHS.
• She said Kamryn got into daycare timeout situations, and she described other events involving daycare and the child.
• She said she overheard a conversation between Schlitter and her sister after Kamryn was taken to the hospital and Schlitter said Kamryn recently hit her head hard.

Text messages between Parmer and Schlitter sent and received from March 20 to April 4, 2010 were shown to the jurors. The texts included plans about their relationship and discussions about being together, moving in together, and having sex. The texts also included Parmer questioning whether Schlitter thought she was to blame for Kamryn’s injuries, and discussion of movies after Kamryn was taken off life support.

Examples of texts included:

• “Time is what we have now,” Schlitter text.
• “We don’t have much time together…our families hate us being with each other,” Parmer replies.
• “Well when everything is done, idc, we have all nights to ourselves. They can’t stop us,” Schlitter text.
• “We always have had all nights to ourselves. Silly,” Parmer replies.
• “Nope, but I mean we are free to do more without worrying bout being walked in on lol,” Schlitter text.
• “For five weeks….,” Parmer replies.

Defense witnesses and testimony

Parmer testified in her own defense and maintained her innocence.

Parmer testified that:

• She never hurt 17-month-old Kamryn.
• She was only alone with the toddler for about six hours in March 2010 when her father Zyriah Schlitter had custody.
• She thought Kamryn was “adorable” and wanted the child in her life.
• She did not consider herself in a parental role with Kamryn because when she and Schlitter were together she would be in charge of her two children and Schlitter would be responsible for Kamryn.
• She noticed bruising on Kamryn’s cheeks and forehead but never suspected child abuse.
• She claimed that when Schlitter had custody and went to his financial class at church, Parmer had control of Kamryn during limited time periods.
• She stated that Kamryn was clinging to her father that day and that Schlitter got frustrated with Kamryn.
• She testified that Schlitter picked up Kamryn harshly or quickly and took her into the bedroom for a timeout.
• She stated that on March 21, Kamryn became unresponsive and started posturing, and she said she called 911.

In Parmer’s testimony, she also addressed being told in the daycare context that Kamryn was disciplined and described reasons she used the phrase “a brat” and referred to Kamryn as “a brat” and “the most obnoxious kid in the world” in communications about her behavior.

She testified that: “I called (911).”

She testified: “I don’t know what to do with you.” (Referenced as Schlitter’s statement in multiple parts of the trial coverage.)

Prosecution witnesses and statements attributed to Parmer

Testimony included statements attributed to Parmer where she described taking the life of a toddler.

Tim Sprous testified that Parmer told him in April 2011 that she “took the life” of a toddler. Sprous testified: “She said I didn’t want to get involved with her because she was going away….she took the life of an 18-month-old,” Sprous said. “I asked her how and she said something about a head trauma.”

Tyler Johnston repeatedly questioned Sprous’ truthfulness and accused him of lying and taking revenge against Parmer over paternity of Parmer’s son, including an alleged extortion plan. Sprous testified that he was in court to do the right thing and said: “Yes, the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” Sprous said before being excused.

Heather Meyers testified that Parmer told her: “I might have killed a kid.”

Heather Meyers testified Parmer became emotional and started to cry and she said: “I was in shock.”

Meyers also testified that she did not ask for details about Parmer’s statement and did not tell police at the time, and later an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation agent called her about the statement.

Eric Olmstead testified about a text message Parmer replied to. Olmstead asked her to “hang out” the next day, and Parmer replied: “What do you want to do. I’m seeing someone. You should know that.”

In another reply, Parmer wrote: “I love kids but his daughter is ending us. She’s the most obnoxious kid in the world. I’ll try to get a babysitter.”

Testimony involving daycare teachers and bruising

Three former daycare teachers at Apple Kids Daycare testified about bruising they saw on Kamryn and what appeared to be make-up over bruising.

Keri Sotelo testified that on March 8 Kamryn had a bruise on her forehead, bruises on her cheeks, and chapped lips or cuts on her lips. Sotelo said Kamryn went home sick that day and did not come back until March 15. Sotelo testified that on March 15 another teacher wiped off a “substance” from Kamryn’s face after her snack and that the marks became more visible. Sotelo said: “She had more bruising on her face (on March 15) and chin.” “She had a bloody nose.”

Andrea Alt testified that Parmer came into Kamryn’s room and asked how “That little brat over there,” pointing to Kamryn, was doing. Alt testified Parmer said the injuries occurred when Kamryn was running around and fell and hit a table, and that a pack and play fell and hit her in the head. Alt testified Parmer also said she disciplined Kamryn because her father did not.

Nicole King and family testimony

Nicole King, Kamryn’s mother, testified about her divorce, her inability to support Kamryn financially, and that she asked Schlitter to take Kamryn for a month. Nicole King testified that she noticed bruising during March but did not see Kamryn every day. She testified that she had to move out of her parent’s home when she divorced and that she lacked a stable place to stay and money to support her daughter.

She testified that Schlitter became frustrated and angry when Kamryn would cry or would not listen, and that Schlitter rolled up blankets and threw them in the crib and cursed at her. Nicole King testified: “He was looking at Kamryn when he said it.” “I told him to get his (stuff) and get out.”

Nicole King testified that she tried to see Kamryn often during that month but it did not always work out, and that Kamryn had an ear infection. She testified she noticed bruises on her forehead and cheek during March 8-12, and she recalled other incidents on March 17 and March 19. She said that was the last time she heard Kamryn laugh, and she testified that when Kamryn was called to the hospital on March 21, Kamryn was not breathing and she was covered in bruises, and she said: “She was covered in bruises.” “Everything was swollen.” “Her lips were swollen….cut up.” “She was deaf and blind.”

Victim impact statements at sentencing

At sentencing, Nicole King delivered a victim impact statement to Parmer. King told Parmer she blamed her for Kamryn’s death and warned Parmer that her own children would grow up and learn the truth some day.

Nicole King said: “Everybody is losing someone through this.” “I will be at every parole (hearing) fighting to keep you in prison and at Zyriah’s fighting to free him long before you.”

Nicole King testified she knew Zyriah Schlitter was not a “killer,” and said he was guilty only of “not knowing how to clean up his messes.”

Jeri King, Kamryn’s grandmother, testified at sentencing that it was “overwhelming and unbelievable” she had to write a victim’s impact statement for her granddaughter’s murder. Jeri King said: “A mother, grandmother and their families should never be put in a position where they must grieve their babies, especially when the grief is caused by vicious acts of violence,”

Jeri King testified she would never forget Kamryn’s smile and laughter as: “contagious.”

She testified: “She closes her eyes and still hears her ‘silly, little giggling echoing through my head.’” and she described that she would never forget.

Kim Schlitter, Kamryn’s grandfather, told the court he forgave Parmer and described struggling for three years. He testified: “It has hurt my family, the Niki King family, and I assume the Parmer family is also hurting,” Kim Schlitter said in his victim's impact statement. “I miss Kamryn so much it hurts every day and part of me died with Kamryn March 28, 2010.” Kim Schlitter testified that he knew his granddaughter would want them to be happy and go on with their lives.

Emilee Bennett, Kamryn’s cousin, read a poem she wrote after Kamryn’s death. Emilee Bennett said: “Fly home sweet angel. Fly, fly, fly.”

Denise Bennett, Kamryn’s aunt, described remembering Kamryn being born, and said: “She won our hearts....we loved and cherished her,” Denise Bennett said. Denise Bennett also testified: “May God forgive you because I don't know if I ever will.”

Tyler Johnston, Parmer’s attorney, went on the defensive after the impact statements, telling the court and packed courtroom that Parmer was innocent and would spend the rest of days fighting for her. The judge sentenced Parmer after she declined to say anything before the judge sentenced her.

Nicole and Jeri King stormed out of the courtroom as Johnston continued to defend Parmer.

Sentencing

On December 13, 2013, Parmer was sentenced to 50 years in prison for involvement in the death of Kamryn, who died of blunt force head injuries March 28, 2010.

Parmer’s sentencing followed a four-week trial that resulted in convictions in September of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment resulting in death.

At the time of sentencing, the coverage stated there was no mandatory sentence on either charge, and Parmer could serve only two years or up to 50 years before being paroled.

A prior statement in the course of trial coverage also said Iowa law imposed a 50-year sentence for child endangerment causing death, and that sentencing applied whether the perpetrator inflicted the abuse or not.

Appeals and defence contentions

Parmer’s attorney Tyler Johnston said Parmer remained “firmly convinced” of innocence and said they would move forward with an appeal.

Johnston said: “We are disappointed by the verdict but will move forward with her appeal and we are confident that this conviction will be overturned,”

Johnston argued the child endangerment law was unconstitutionally vague and over-broad, and he cautioned anyone in Iowa to avoid undertaking the care of another person’s child because they could be held responsible if a child is harmed in their care.

Johnston said a motion for a new trial was denied last week. He also vowed to appeal the conviction.

Outcome

Amy Parmer was convicted in September (2013) of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment resulting in death, and she was sentenced to 50 years in prison on December 13, 2013.

Parmer declined to say anything before the judge sentenced her.

Zyriah Schlitter, Kamryn’s father and Parmer’s ex-boyfriend, was convicted last December of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment resulting in death and was serving 50 years in prison.

Timeline

• March 20, 2010 — A video of Kamryn was taken by Zyriah Schlitter and was discussed in testimony as showing Kamryn functioning normally before the next day.
• March 21, 2010 — Parmer called 911 when Kamryn became unresponsive and began posturing; Kamryn’s injuries were discussed as acute relative to this call.
• March 22, 2010 — An MRI was taken showing massive swelling and a stroke, discussed during testimony.
• March 28, 2010 — Kamryn Schlitter died from blunt force head injuries.
• Aug. 19, 2013 — Parmer’s trial started.
• Sept. 4, 2013 — Defense cross-examinations challenged timing testimony by medical experts.
• Sept. 5, 2013 — The defense sought a delay/mistrial related to medical expert testimony; the judge denied mistrial and allowed a short delay.
• Sept. 6, 2013 — Parmer’s defense began with testimony read into the record from Zyriah Schlitter’s prior testimony from his trial.
• Sept. 9, 2013 — Parmer testified in her own defense.
• Sept. 10, 2013 — The coverage described testimony and continued defense presentation.
• Sept. 16, 2013 — Closing arguments wrapped up; jury deliberations began at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
• September 2013 — A jury convicted Amy Parmer of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment resulting in death.
• Dec. 13, 2013 — Parmer was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

Other details

Parmer’s attorney Tyler Johnston and Megan Heneke hugged Parmer after the jury was dismissed from the courtroom following the verdict.

A family member of Kamryn’s father Zyriah Schlitter made a comment to King and sheriff’s deputies intervened so the grandmother could leave without further incident.