Hartford mother sentenced after toddler's fatal fall from window

Tabitha Frank pleaded guilty to manslaughter and risk of injury to a child in her son's death

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Tabitha Frank, a Hartford mother whose 2-year-old son Corneliuz Shand Williams fell out of a third-floor window and died in 2023, has been sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to manslaughter and risk of injury to a child. Frank was working part-time as an Uber driver and left Corneliuz with his four older sisters, the oldest of whom was 12, when the tragic incident occurred.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges low-income families face and the need for greater support systems to prevent such tragedies. Research has shown a correlation between poverty and child neglect allegations, with families of color more likely to face such accusations.

The details

On July 22, 2023, Frank left Corneliuz with his four older sisters, thinking the child's father would arrive shortly. However, the father did not arrive in time, and Corneliuz fell from a third-floor window, dying two days later in the hospital. Frank pleaded guilty to manslaughter and risk of injury to a child, and was sentenced to five years of probation.

  • On July 22, 2023, Tabitha Frank left her 2-year-old son Corneliuz with his four older sisters.
  • Corneliuz fell from a third-floor window on July 22, 2023.
  • Corneliuz died in the hospital two days later, on July 24, 2023.
  • On February 6, 2026, Tabitha Frank pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years of probation.

The players

Tabitha Frank

A Hartford mother whose 2-year-old son Corneliuz Shand Williams fell out of a window and died in 2023.

Corneliuz Shand Williams

Tabitha Frank's 2-year-old son who fell from a third-floor window and died in 2023.

Sharmese Walcott

The state's attorney who said this was an "extremely difficult and tragic case."

Dana Sanetti

The public defender who represented Tabitha Frank for the bulk of the case.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not a monster. I'm a mother who made a mistake, doing the best that she could. My kids know they are loved, despite what anybody else thinks. My kids know. My son knows.”

— Tabitha Frank (ctmirror.org)

“A two-year-old child died a horrendous and preventable death and should never have been placed in the situation that led to this outcome.”

— Sharmese Walcott, State's Attorney (ctmirror.org)

“This was a tragic situation and a difficult case. We commend the court for its steadfast commitment to justice.”

— Dana Sanetti, Public Defender (ctmirror.org)

What’s next

The judge's decision to sentence Tabitha Frank to five years of probation rather than jail time will likely be closely watched, as it highlights the complex challenges facing low-income families and the need for more support systems to prevent such tragedies.

The takeaway

This case underscores the correlation between poverty and child neglect allegations, with families of color disproportionately facing such accusations. It emphasizes the need for greater social services and support systems to help struggling parents like Tabitha Frank, who was doing her best in a difficult situation.