WEST SACRAMENTO, CA – Derrick Dimone Woods, 47, accepted a plea deal on Tuesday, lowering his charge from murder to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the death of his former girlfriend’s young daughter. The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office reported that Woods received a sentence of 15 years and eight months for the death of 16-month-old Amanda Owens.
In addition to manslaughter, Woods also admitted guilt to physically abusing Amanda’s 3-year-old brother, Elijah, and to the charge of false imprisonment affecting both children. The crimes occurred on February 15, 2021, when the children’s mother left them in Woods’ care at a West Sacramento motel, returning to find them harmfully beaten and Woods fleeing in a vehicle.
“These were brutal and heinous crimes against vulnerable children, by a very disturbed man,” noted District Attorney Jeff Reisig, expressing the tragedy and loss felt by the family. “No amount of prison time will ever be enough in this case. We are heartbroken for the family.”
Authorities described the grim findings in the motel room, where Amanda was discovered lifeless, her body covered in bruises, and her face swollen. Meanwhile, Elijah was found with injuries consistent with whipping by an electrical cord. The following day, law enforcement officers captured Woods in Sacramento.
The case took a turn in court when Woods’ confession was excluded. His defense contended he was intellectually disabled and initially unfit for trial. Although adjudged competent later, the court ruled that the confession was inadmissible due to the delayed reading of Miranda rights.
“Because of Woods’ intellectual disability and a prolonged delay between his arrest and the Miranda warning, the judge excluded Woods’ confession,” the prosecutors stated. Despite disagreements with the ruling, the likelihood of overturning it on appeal was considered slim.
At the sentencing, Amanda’s family members voiced their anguish and frustration. “They expressed their rage and devastation over the loss of Amanda and the injuries suffered by Elijah,” prosecutors noted. The children’s mother emphasized the importance of valuing and protecting every life, highlighting the profound trauma the family endured throughout the legal proceedings.
The case continues to resonate heavily within the community, reminding many of the significant impact of crimes against the most defenseless among us.