Woman gets probation in death of her baby

A West Valley City woman whose 1-year-old son died from a head injury last year has been sentenced to probation and ordered to get counseling.

Mesepa Heimuli, 30, had been charged with first-degree felony murder in connection with the death of her baby, Uatisone Sua Jr. She later pleaded guilty to third-degree felony child abuse homicide as part of a plea bargain.

Third District Judge Deno Himonas sentenced Heimuli to up to five years in prison, but suspended the prison sentence and placed Heimuli on 36 months probation. The judge ordered a mental health evaluation and a variety of counseling programs.