Foster Mom Receives Life In Prison

Foster Mom Receives Life In Prison

http://www.wsmv.com/news/15971018/detail.html

McMINNVILLE, Tenn. -- A foster mom convicted of killing a child in
2004 was sentenced to life in prison plus 32 years without the
possibility of parole.

Sherri Mathis was convicted on March 4 in the death of 6-year-old
Cheyenne Delp.

"There was justice for Cheyenne today and that is what I promised my
baby, justice. She got it today," said Cheyenne Delp's mother, Roxanne
Haga.

As the sentence was handed down in court, it was hard for Cheyenne's
mother to hold back her emotions.

"I've been waiting for this for so long. I miss my daughter so much,"
said Haga.

Mathis was a foster mother to Cheyenne and her two older brothers
while they lived with her at her Warren County home.

"This lady engaged in willful, intentional abuse," said Warren County
Judge Bart Stanley.

"She's not going to get out for a long time. Thank God. She beat my
child to death, hurt my sons and the woman doesn't deserve freedom,"
said Haga.

"I have tried to be a good mother to my children and to the children
who lived in my home," said Mathis.

Before the sentencing, Mathis asked the court for mercy.

"I would ask that the court take these factors into consideration in
determining my sentence and ask for the leniency of the court. I’m
sorry," said Mathis.

"There were no tears, no nothing. I was looking at somebody with a
stone face," said Haga.

The mother said she hopes the tough sentence sends a clear message to
anyone who abuses children.

"I hope and pray that people who do these things will see what the
sentence was today so this won’t happen to kids anymore," said Haga.

The state placed Cheyenne and her brothers in Mathis' care after their
parents went to jail.