A Rock Springs man accused of killing his infant daughter and abusing other children in his household appeared in Sweetwater County District Court for a change of plea hearing Friday morning.
Jacob Anthony Triplett, 27, pleaded no contest to a charge of Murder in the Second Degree, three counts of Aggravated Child Abuse, and two counts of felony Child Abuse before 3rd Judicial District Court Judge Nena James.
As part of a partial plea agreement, Triplett’s murder charge was reduced to Second Degree from the original charge of First Degree.
The plea agreement is considered partial because there is no recommended sentence, meaning Triplett still faces the maximum penalties. His sentence will be argued during a sentencing hearing which will take place on a later date.
Triplett faces 20 years to life imprisonment for the Murder in the Second Degree charge, up to 25 years for each Aggravated Child Abuse charge, and up to five years for each Child Abuse charge. Each count also carries a maximum fine of $10,000.
If sentenced to the maximum on all counts, Triplett faces up to life imprisonment plus 85 years and up to $60,000 in fines.
Triplett’s wife, Amanda Dawn Triplett, pleaded no contest in August of 2015 to Murder in the Second Degree, Aggravated Child Abuse, and two counts of Child Abuse. She is currently awaiting sentencing.
Case Background
Triplett is charged in the death of his 4-month-old daughter, Susan Triplett, in September 2014.
According to court documents, Susan was flown to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City after she was found not breathing Sept. 15, 2014. A doctor at the hospital said Susan suffered from malnutrition and dehydration and had markings along her body that indicated abuse. Susan also had rib fractures.
Susan died on September 16, 2014 after she was declared brain-dead and removed from life support at Primary Children’s Hospital, according to court documents.
Susan’s twin sister had similar injuries and was found to be malnourished.
Following a search of Triplett’s home, a 2-year-old boy and a 4-year-old boy were also sent to Primary Children’s Hospital for examination. The boys were found to be malnourished with signs of abuse, according to court documents.
Some of the child abuse charges stem from information gathered during the hospital examination. Two additional charges were filed against Jacob Triplett after more information on the abuse was provided by Amanda Triplett.