PORTLAND, Maine — The Maine Supreme Judicial Court on Thursday upheld the murder conviction of Leanna Norris, 26, in the death of her 2½-year-old daughter, Loh Melody Grenda.
Norris of Auburn and formerly of Stetson killed the toddler after the girl’s father broke up with her and threatened to gain custody of their child. Norris did not want another woman to raise the girl, according to testimony at trial.
She admitted killing her daughter and trying to kill herself. Norris pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Her trial before a judge was held in October and November 2014 at the Penobscot Judicial Center in Bangor.
Superior Court Justice Ann Murray rejected Norris’ insanity defense in December 2014. The judge concluded that “Ms. Norris knew right from wrong and had the ability to apply her knowledge of right from wrong to the action she took when killing Loh.”
Murray also concluded “while Ms. Norris’ judgment was impaired, all of the facts set forth above reflect the behavior and actions of someone who has a perception and understanding of reality that is not grossly or demonstrably impaired.”
The judge sentenced Norris to 37 years in prison. She is incarcerated at the Maine Correctional Center in Windham. She is not expected to be released before July 2045, according to the Department of Corrections’ website.