Hawaiian Babysitter Sentenced to Prison for Manslaughter

A Hawaiian babysitter was sentenced to 20 years in prison connected to the death of a seven-month-old girl over six years ago. Dixie Villa received this maximum sentence for manslaughter on May 7 after being convicted in relation to the incident involving Abigail Robisch in 2019. The infant tragically passed away due to diphenhydramine toxicity, an antihistamine, reportedly administered by Villa without medical consent.

According to court records, Abigail was found unresponsive in Villa’s home in February 2019, and an autopsy later confirmed the cause of death as diphenhydramine toxicity. It’s important to note that such medication isn’t recommended for children under six unless directed by a healthcare provider.

In court, Abigail’s mother, Anna Robisch, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “The pain of living without Abby is the heavy weight I carry every day. My heart has never stopped hurting.”

Prosecutors argued that Villa, who was looking after several young children, provided the baby with medication to keep her calm, asserting that Villa was overwhelmed and distracted older children with an iPad while using diphenhydramine to sedate Abigail.

Defense attorneys suggested that others, including the children’s parents, might have contributed to administering the medication. However, the judge concluded that Villa was the only one in a position to give the drug.

Prosecutors were adamant in their pursuit of a severe sentence, emphasizing that Villa had alternatives available that night and failed to act responsibly. As Deputy Prosecutor Tiffany Kaew noted, “She could have called the child’s mother and brought her back, but she didn’t.”

Villa’s defense cited her clean record and her role as a full-time caregiver for two other children, requesting probation with continued community service involvement. However, Circuit Judge Faaunga To’o’o was clear: “This should not happen.” The judge stated, “The only appropriate sentence is 20 years of imprisonment.”

Villa had been on bail since her initial arrest in 2019 but was taken into custody following her conviction in November. Prosecutors have indicated that an appeal is likely.

Outside the court, Anna Robisch expressed a feeling of security with the outcome, saying, “I’m happy with what happened there.”