Deseret News | Emotion-laden trial begins in 1-year-old's death

Reader comments
Emotion-laden trial begins in 1-year-old's death

No Pity | 6:01 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

People who perpetuate this kind of pain on those unable to defend themselves deserve no pity, no remorse, only the maximum sentence that our Justice system can give out.

When | 11:10 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

will single mothers realize that subsequent partners usually have NO particular affection or sense of responsibility for children from previous relationships? In fact, they often resent the child or children rather severely.

SAD | 11:15 p.m. Nov. 12, 2009

What a precious baby. God loves this little one. very sad story.

Comments continue below

Kitty | 8:02 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

Why is child-abuse homicide only a second degree felony?

Katherine | 8:04 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

I know "people" need to be defended... but how can one defend a monster???? Especially when there is so much physical evidence to support abuse??
What a horrid memory to live with the rest of your days.. that you lived and cared for the male that murdered your precious babe...

bruce | 9:10 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

A second degree felony is very sad... A defencless child beated to death and only a second degree felony????????????????????? Sad

: ( | 11:29 a.m. Nov. 13, 2009

That is just totally disgusting. Nowdays seems as though you can get in more trouble for something like a traffic offense or stealing than beating an innocent little baby to death. The justice system is obviously more of an INjustice system. People like this need to be shown the same mercy they showed their victims. NONE.

David B. | 1:54 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

This makes me just ill!! What did this child do to deserve this.What's even worse are the charges!They should go for the death penalty.I wouldn't allow this monster to take another breath after conviction!If I had my way I'd snipe him before we waste tax payer money on his defense.But you watch some bleeding heart liberal lawyer will try to plea him down and if this happens they should prosecute the system and all involved.
To the mother I feel your pain I too lost a child yrs ago but different circumstances.Keep the memories of him alive in your heart.

Becky | 2:19 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

This story made me sick. My heart goes out to the mother, and to all you ladies - Please go with your gut feelings when it comes to your children and do not let desperation get the best of your children; make sure you actually know the person that is caring for your child - Watch for the signs and love and care for your children! If something happens to them just know the justice system will not take care of you!

Carlfw53 | 2:34 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

That is one sick person that would do that to a baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The death pently should be used for him. Show him no mercy just like he didn't to the baby.

Joseph | 4:32 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

I would love five minutes with that guy. What an evil person! We need to go back to public hangings!!

Nathan | 6:13 p.m. Nov. 13, 2009

In most murder cases we don't use the death penalty. It should be used in this case if EVER it should be used. What a worthless loser. It's insulting to know the rest of us have to share the world with him.

Rebecca | 9:51 a.m. Nov. 14, 2009

There is a VERY special place in hell for guys like this...Even ANIMALS know when there is a baby around...I say let this guy live in PRISON...inmates hate baby killers...

Anonymous | 10:13 a.m. Nov. 14, 2009

A PUBLIC EXECUTION SHOULD BE DONE ON ALL OF THESE SICK MONSTERS WHO KILL INNOCENT BABIES. LET THE WHOLE WORLD WATCH WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO BABY KILLERS LIKE THIS SICKO. TAKING THE LIFE OF SOMEONE SO SMALL WHO CANNOT DEFEND THEMSELVES SHOULD BE JUSTIFICATION FOR THIS TYPE OF PUNISHMENT.

Anonymous | 10:21 a.m. Nov. 14, 2009

This guy is a complete liar. I have had five kids occasionally they will get hurt when they are toddlers. One of my kids fell from a chair onto the concrete hard, and did not suffer any injuries. An injury like this ONLY came from abuse. Nothing less than the death penalty should be considered!

Anonymous | 2:01 p.m. Nov. 14, 2009

Taking a pure and innocent life deserves the death penalty.

Anonymous | 2:51 p.m. Nov. 14, 2009

Let Christ be the judge! We don't know for sure if what the guy said happened really isn't true! Judgment day will come and all will be known and if we judge wrongfully, we will be judged the same rash judgment.

My son kept throwing a blanket over my baby (playing peek a boo)while baby was in my parents stroller and he pulled so hard one time that the stroller fell sideways and my baby got a huge bruise on her face.

Accidents do happen and how do these experts really know that the guy didn't trip over the animal and land on the baby?

You can't put a baby on a countertop, they fall off. You can't put them on the floor, someone might fall on them or children smother them. When my baby was new the small children wouldn't leave them alone, you wanted them on the countertop, but there was a risk of being pulled off or falling off. Or if children are sick they cough right in their face and they could die from an illness. So, I'm skeptical, he's not telling the truth.

Anonymous | 4:17 p.m. Nov. 14, 2009

I have had the misfortune to see many injured kids since I have been a foster mother. This guy is very guilty. Falling over a cat or puppy and not catching the babyh would have crushed the baby's skull or bones, not gotten his insides out of whack. We need to see this murderer brought to justice.

Reason | 10:57 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009

Wow, nearly all of the people who have commented thus far have jumped light-speed to judgment on this man.
Thank goodness that the jury, the ones who get to hear ALL the evidence, get to decide if the Prosecution has met its heavy burden of proving every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Also, Child Abuse Homicide is a second degree felony if it is commited recklessly as define by the legislature, but if it is committed intentionally or knowingly, it is a first degree felony. This statute was changed recently and so the defendant can only be charged on the law that was existing at the time of the alleged crime.

Listening | 8:16 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009

A young life lost. I am so happy for my faith in a life after this. I hope that the mother knows that honest, loving families have prayers going out to her tonight. I have had the opportunity in sitting in on this trial and it has been an emotional roller-coaster. I don't hate Mr. Thunborg, but I feel extreme sorrow that he has chosen a path that will lead nowhere to happiness. If convicted, I hope that he learns to understand that he has destroyed societies trust in him, probably for all his natural life. What a pity that people can destroy themselves and how easy their internal drive for right and wrong can be neglected and forgotten. Mrs. Rathjen, if you ever read this: My thoughts and prayers go out to you sincerely. It is my wish that no family has to endure such a tragedy. Be strong and hold your head up high and know that you did raise, though so short of time, a loving and handsome boy. No greater blessing can a person give the world than a respectful, grateful, and loving child. My wishes for a joyful future go out to you.

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