Carson City man guilty of neglect for brain damage to girl, 3
CARSON CITY — A Carson City man accused of causing irreversible brain damage to a 3-year-old child under his care has been convicted of child neglect.
A district court jury deliberated for about 45 minutes before returning the verdict Friday against Justin Carrigan, who awaits sentencing Oct. 21.
The conviction stemmed from when Carrigan was the sole caregiver for the child, Rochelle Ellis, in September 2010.
Sheriff’s deputies believe Carrigan stopped Ellis’ breathing and then neglected to seek medical treatment by leaving the scene and refusing to call 911.
Prosecutors say the girl suffered brain damage from a lack of oxygen after her heart stopped, and she now lives in a 24-hour care facility.
It was the second time a jury has convicted Carrigan of the crime.
Carrigan appealed a September 2011 conviction of child neglect to the Nevada Supreme Court, which reversed his conviction due to an error in the trial court’s jury instruction.
