Advertisement Community outraged over Stephanie Lopez's early release Share Shares Copy Link Copy

The mother of Baby Brianna has been released on "good time" from New Mexico Women Correctional Facility in Grants.Stephanie Lopez was sentenced to 27 years plus two years’ parole for not doing anything to stop the repeated rape and abuse of her infant daughter by the girl’s father and uncle.Brianna Lopez died at only 5 1/2 months old, succumbing to the horrific beatings and sexual abuse she endured in her short life.The infant’s death has been called one of the most brutal cases of child abuse in the state’s history.Brianna’s father and uncle are each serving more than 50 years in prison their role in her death.Due to good behavior, Lopez was released after serving only 13 years.She will still have to serve two years of parole, which will be served in another state through the interstate compact agreement.Governor Martinez released the following statement Wednesday."As a prosecutor, I took on many horrible, gruesome cases that involved children, and while I will never forget the victims I sought justice for, not a day goes by without thinking of Baby Brianna. I still have her photo on my desk; it's a constant reminder of who and what we're fighting for. Brianna would be a teen today, just starting to discover her unique talents and looking at her future with awe and wonder. Instead, the one person who should have protected her and loved her the most abused her and allowed others to torture and rape her. When I prosecuted Stephanie Lopez, I sought the full measure of justice. Sadly, the law on the books was too weak, and as a result, she gets to do something Baby Brianna never had the chance to do: walk freely. The fact is, the law at the time allowed these child killers to receive a much lighter sentence than what they deserved. It is because of this injustice that I fought for Baby Brianna's Law -- to strengthen the penalty for intentional child abuse that results in death. And that is why I will continue to call on Senate Democrats to expand this law to EVERY child, no matter their age. Brianna will never come back, but we can provide justice by continuing to remember her and fight for her."> Read the media release on Lopez's release