Babysitter Amy Lynn Scott Gets Life for Murders

(Phoenix, Arizona) At different times during 1989, Amy Lynn Scott was babysitting Shauna Cunnington, 2 months, Zachary Mann, 8 months, and 4-month-old Jordan Whitmer and they all died.

Officials originally blamed Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. However, upon further review of the cases and through the work of Tempe Detective Tom Magazzeni, authorities came to believe that the infants were murdered.

In February, Amy Lynn Scott went to trial to face three counts of first-degree murder. In March, Scott was convicted.

Yesterday, 39-year-old Scott was sentenced to three consecutive life terms in prison with the possibility of parole in 25 years.

The mothers of all three infants were at the sentencing as well. Andrea Cunnington called Scott a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Jill Shumway, the mother of Zachary, brought a picture of her son two weeks before he died.

"When a child dies, a universe of possibilities dies with them," Shumway said. "Amy's had the privilege of raising her children, I only have the memories of my son."

Raechel Whitmer cried throughout her speech to the judge. She told the judge that she often thinks of what her son, Jordan, would be doing right now if he were still here.

"The hardest thing a mother can do is bury her child, especially one that hasn't even begun to live," Whitmer said.

On Scott's behalf, her parents and siblings spoke at the sentencing. They apparently failed to garner any sympathy.