A 31-year-old woman from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the death of her three-year-old stepdaughter in June 2020.

Bella Seachrist passed away due to extreme neglect and starvation. Authorities discovered her unresponsive in a bathtub. Both Laura Ramirez, the stepmother, and Jose Salazar-Ortiz, the father, played roles in Bella’s mistreatment, with evidence indicating Ramirez as the main offender.

Reports suggest a deep-rooted motive behind Bella’s treatment. Ramirez harbored resentment towards Bella because she was a result of Salazar-Ortiz’s relationship with another woman. An inquiry into the matter showed that Bella had faced prolonged periods of starvation, maltreatment, and physical harm. At the time of discovery, Bella weighed less than 30 pounds, showing clear indications of neglect.

Nicole Seachrist, Bella’s biological mother, described the extensive injuries that were evident on Bella’s body. These injuries included widespread bruising, a fractured nose, marks from cigarettes, and other sores. Nicole Seachrist expressed the belief that Bella’s birth circumstances played a part in the targeted abuse.

Eilene Boggs Airhart, who had looked after Bella on occasion, provided further information about Bella’s life. In her court testimony, she emphasized that Bella, despite enduring such hardship, had a significant amount of affection to offer and always sought warmth and care.

Ramirez was convicted of first-degree murder and received a life sentence. Salazar-Ortiz faced a third-degree murder conviction and was sentenced to serve 33 to 66 years. Additionally, Alexis Herrera, Ramirez’s sibling, is involved in this case. Accusations state that Herrera had seen and even partaken in the mistreatment of Bella. She is presently facing numerous charges and is set to be tried in January.