Verdict Reached in Cinnaminson Baby Death Trial

A Shamon man has been convicted of aggravated manslaughter in the death of his girlfriend’s 1-year-old foster child in Cinnaminson in 2013, the Burlington County Times reports.

Steven Donaldson, 32, was found not guilty of the murder of Claudia Nunes, meaning the possibility of life in prison without parole was taken off the table, according to the report. He faces 10-30 years in prison on the aggravated manslaughter conviction.

The jury deliberated for about three hours, beginning on Wednesday. The verdict was read aloud in court on Thursday, according to the report.

Donaldson was indicted for murder in May of 2013. Donaldson was caring for the toddler—who had celebrated her first birthday the day before her death—while his girlfriend was at work.

Donaldson claims he was changing Nunes diaper when she unexpectedly “launched herself” onto him and hit her head on the hardwood floor, according to the report. He says he did everything he could to try and save her.

Donaldson called 9-1-1 just before 8 p.m.to report that Nunes had stopped breathing.

Law enforcement and emergency medical technicians were unable to revive her.

An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood concluded the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge in November of 2013.

The prosecution painted Donaldson as an alcoholic and a liar, who had a drug problem. They say he resented Claudia, as he had just entered into a relationship with her mother, according to the report.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 21.

Read more at burlingtoncountytimes.com.

The attached image of Steven Donaldson was previously provided by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office