Parents guilty in baby death, abuse

SMITHFIELD, Va. (WAVY) - An Isle of Wight couple pleaded guilty in court Wednesday for the abuse of their two baby daughters, one of whom died from her injuries.

Mary Leann Webb and Robery Molinski were arrested last year for the abuse of their four-month-old twin girls. One of the girls, Piper, passed away at Norfolk's Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters less than a week after her parents were arrested.

Webb pleaded guilty to one count of child abuse resulting in serious injury and one count of reckless disregard of human life. Her involuntary manslaughter charge was ruled nolle prosequi. Webb could face up to 15 years in prison when sentenced.

Molinski pleaded guilty to two counts of child abuse resulting in serious injury, one charge of second-degree murder and malicious wounding. The murder charge was initially a murder in the first degree charge. Molinski could face up to 80 years in prison.

Molinski contacted police when Piper wasn't breathing on the evening of Feb. 12, 2012. Piper was reportedly short of breath, appeared malnourished and had bruising on her body. 

Piper and her twin sister Ella suffered skull fractures, fractured ribs and bruising. Piper also suffered burns on the soles of her feet, according to investigators. Both girls were transported to CHKD where Piper passed away six days later.