A 33-year-old Kentucky woman has been given two life sentences for the murder of her two young sons. Tiffanie Lucas was convicted for the deaths of her children, Maurice “Peanut” Baker Jr., 6, and Jayden Howard, 9, in their family home last year. Lucas alleged that she was coerced into committing the crime via Facebook. Bullitt Circuit Court Judge Rodney D. Burress delivered the sentence on Friday, assigning one life term for each child.
Before the sentencing, several family members provided victim impact statements. Maurice Baker Sr., Maurice Jr.’s father, shared his sorrow and frustration over the loss of his son. He revealed to the court that Lucas had consistently kept his son away from him, despite his numerous requests to spend time with the boy. He also disclosed his multiple attempts to gain custody of his son.
Regina Rowan, Jayden’s grandmother, also addressed the court. She expressed her profound grief and anguish over the loss of her grandson. She directed her words at Lucas, expressing her desire for Lucas to endure the same suffering she was experiencing.
In an effort to illustrate Lucas’ mental instability at the time of the murders, her defense attorney presented a video from a neighbor’s doorbell camera. The footage, taken just a day before the murders, features Lucas expressing her need for support and family.
Judge Burress also spoke before delivering the sentence. He expressed his horror at the thought of the children’s final moments, witnessing their mother with a gun. He described the terror the second child must have felt after hearing the gun discharge for the first time.
Lucas will be eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 20 years. However, prosecutors believe the likelihood of her release after only two decades is extremely low. Lucas was accused of firing four shots within 30 seconds, claiming it was an accident and that she was manipulated by Facebook and online into committing the act. On the morning of the murders, a neighboring couple found Lucas lying in their driveway. The man called 911 after discovering the horrifying scene inside Lucas’ home.
Following her arrest, Lucas reportedly expressed regret and claimed she would never have committed such an act unless manipulated.