Madera parents sentenced in death of 2-year-old Thaddeus Sran

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The parents of a toddler found dead in Madera have been sentenced after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter charges in connection with his death. His mother has been sentenced to 28 years, while his dad received a lighter sentence of 11 years.

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The decision was handed down Friday afternoon.

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In 2020, 2-year-old Thaddeus Sran was reported missing by his mother Briseida Sran and father Sukhjinder.

A short time later, Madera Police found the boy's burned body in a nearby orchard and then his parents were arrested on murder charges. The investigation also led to additional charges against Briseida for the death of her four-month-old daughter Divina in 2015.

Madera County District Attorney Sally Moreno says this case was a complex one. "We have a solid firm 28 and two-thirds years on Briseida and 11 years on Sukhjinder and they'll serve that time," Moreno said.

Back in June, Briseida pleaded guilty to two counts of voluntary manslaughter, one count of mutilating human remains, and two counts of child abuse in the deaths of her son and daughter. Her husband Sukjinder pleaded guilty to 1 count of voluntary manslaughter for Thaddeus's death.

Edmund Gil is Sukhjinder's attorney, but also represented Briseida at the sentencing because her attorney could not be present.

He says, "We are not thrilled by it but we understand the risk involved, which is why we took the plea."

While the defendants did not appear to show much emotion, Gil says he does believe they're remorseful.

I think that 28 years and 5 months began months and months ago, she's already started," Gils says. "She's on her way to having a good understanding to truly accept responsibility in her heart and with God, and with her relationship between herself and God, I believe all that to be true. I know that's true of Sukjinder."

Despite no one being in court today to represent the young victims, Thaddeus's face remains visible for all passing through Madera --serving as a reminder of the innocent life lost.

Moreno concludes, "Madera will remember him and his sister Divina as well."

According to Moreno the Sran parents will need to serve 85 percent of their sentence.