No jail time for Chowchilla mother after accidental shooting death of one-year-old

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Only still pictures were allowed when Erica Bautista appeared in a Madera County Courtroom Friday. Much has changed in her life in just a year. She lost her son and career of 16 years.

Madera County District Attorney David Linn considered the facts and decided five years of probation was enough. In addition, Bautista must complete 500 hours of community service.

Particularly the most compelling thing in this case was the fact that it was her own child that died. I met with the father of the child, the family members this is not the kind of case I want to throw the book at," said Linn.

Bautista did not comment nor did her attorney as she left the Madera County Courthouse. The district attorney said the circumstances warranted the manslaughter charges. They were removed when she agreed to a conditional plea.

RELATED: Correctional officer in Chowchilla charged with manslaughter and felony child abuse

Last year, detectives say Bautista was on her bed with two of her young children. A gun was also present and somehow her toddler got a hold of it and it was fired.

Although her personal pain is great, the district attorney said the punishment- which includes counseling, was the appropriate sentence.

RELATED: Correctional officer in Chowchilla charged with manslaughter and felony child abuse

"I know how terrible she feels because of what happened and she is going to suffer. She will no longer be a correction officer. She is losing her retirement, losing her job there. Will never be able to work for law enforcement," said Bautista.

She had to give up all of her guns and the judge gave permission for them to be destroyed since she can no longer own any weapons.