Ex-boyfriend gets
life term in baby’s death

A week ago, Ericka Bridenstine purchased some baby items and donated them to a women's shelter in Ewa Beach in memory of her 7-week-old son, who was killed in October.

Kelbey Bridenstine would have been 1 on Aug. 16.

"My son was innocent," Bridenstine said after a sentencing hearing yesterday for her former boyfriend for second-degree murder. "I don't know what a baby can do at seven weeks for someone to get that mad."

Yesterday, the 25-year-old Salt Lake mother said she was "happy" that her former boyfriend received the maximum penalty for causing the death of their 7-week-old son, Kelbey Bridenstine.

Circuit Judge Karen Ahn sentenced Derrick Smith, 33, to life with the possibility of parole, with a mandatory minimum of 15 years because the victim was under 8.

In June a jury rejected Smith's defense that the baby died accidentally from a fall, and convicted him of second-degree murder. Smith had testified that he was carrying the crying infant to his crib when his son wriggled and he accidentally dropped him onto the tile floor.

Deputy Public Defender Ronette Kawakami called the incident "a very tragic, tragic case" and said there was testimony that Smith was a caring and loving father to the colicky infant.

But Deputy Prosecutor Rom Trader maintained that the baby's death on Oct. 9 was not an accident, based on the multiple injuries he suffered. Kelbey sustained two skull fractures and bruises to the head, back and under his arms consistent with being picked up and pressure being applied.

Bridenstine said outside the courtroom that she did not buy Smith's version of what happened that night.

Smith is expected to appeal the conviction. He told the court yesterday that he thinks about what happens every night and that "I wish I could take back the hands of time and not be so foolish." Kawakami said Smith meant that he wished he had been more careful in handling the baby.

Smith was also ordered to pay $2,432 in restitution.