(WNY News Now) – Brigitte Meckes, a 49-year-old woman who acted as a midwife without a license, was sentenced to 8 ⅔ to 17 ⅓ years in prison for her role in the tragic death of a newborn in Sullivan County.
HARRISBURG — In a case that has drawn significant attention, Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the sentencing of Brigitte Meckes for failing to seek medical assistance for a newborn who died following a home birth in 2022. Meckes was sentenced on Tuesday after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and other related charges.
The conviction stems from events that unfolded during a home birth where Meckes acted as the midwife. Lacking a medical license, she failed to call for emergency assistance despite the infant’s severe distress. Instead, Meckes and the baby’s parents, Drew and Amy Hoenigke, resorted to unconventional methods in an attempt to treat the child. Tragically, the baby died two days later.
During the sentencing, Sullivan County President Judge Russel Shurtleff emphasized Meckes’ lack of remorse for her actions. “This defendant had the means and time to simply pick up a phone and call for aid for a helpless baby who desperately needed it,” said Attorney General Henry. “That makes this case even more tragic — that the people who should have been helping, instead let the child die. The prosecution of this defendant, as well as the child’s parents, resulted in justice and accountability for the criminal conduct — but no sentence will ever undo the harm they caused.”
Evidence presented during the trial showed that all parties involved were aware of the infant’s dire condition. Text messages between Meckes and the Hoenigkes revealed their understanding that the baby was dying, yet they failed to call 9-1-1 for immediate help. Meckes was found guilty in July on multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.
Both Drew and Amy Hoenigke have previously pleaded guilty and received sentences for their involvement in the case, contributing to the tragic outcome. The cases were prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Jaime Keating.
Leave a Reply