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Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Saturday, July 19, 2008

30-year term in toddler’s death

APPLETON, Wis. (AP) — A man who won a new trial in the death of his 2-year-old stepson received a prison sentence five years longer than his original one Friday.

Israel Robles-Figueroa, 33, of Grand Chute was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being convicted of first-degree reckless homicide and child abuse in March at his retrial.

He was charged in the death Nov. 29, 2002, of his stepson Cristian Cisneros.

A previous conviction was thrown out after the court learned a member of the jury had made racist remarks during deliberations.

Authorities said Robles was home babysitting his stepson and his 1-year-old daughter when the boy suffered fatal injuries believed to have resulted from multiple blows.

Robles initially told police the boy had fallen in the bathtub but changed his account twice.

Defense lawyer Wendy Patrickus argued the boy’s death was an accident, and Robles’ frantic attempts at resuscitation wound up hurting the child.

Robles apologized in court and asked for forgiveness.

“I did cause the death but not the way they are accusing me,” he said. “I am really sorry. I know I am not capable of what they are accusing me of.”

But Outagamie County Circuit Judge Dee Dyer said the injuries were caused by rage.

With time served, Robles faces another 25 years in prison.

Dyer said the sentence should send a message to the public that “that kind of violence will be met with significant consequences.”