Adoptive Mother Given 25 Years For Killing 2-Year-Old Daughter

In 2003, Peggy Hilt adopted Nina, a beautiful, healthy baby girl from Russia. On July 2, 2005, Peggy Hilt repeatedly punched Nina in her abdomen and stepped on her. Nina died the next day from her injuries. In March of this year Hilt plead guilty to second degree murder to avoid a charge of first degree murder. She said that she was frustrated due to the lack of bonding between Nina and herself. Hilt's lawyer said that she was an alcoholic and suffered from mental problems. I think that the latter is a given.

Yesterday, May 25, 2006, Peggy Hilt was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of her daughter. Not only did the judge on the case, William Hamblen, note how horrific this crime was and sentenced Hilt to 25 years, over the sentencing guideline of 12 -21 years. He also noted that because of Nina's death, Russia has started to rethink and halt several foreign adoptions which in turn, have caused much grief to hopeful adoptive families.

Russian Adoption Murders - There have been several Russian children murdered by adoptive parents.