Julius Fineday Sr., 42, allegedly “willfully deprived” his daughter, Jewel Sky Fineday, of food and healthcare from January 1 to December 25, 2022, despite having the means to provide for her needs, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota.
In March, Julius Fineday Sr. pleaded guilty to a count of felony child neglect resulting in death and was sentenced on Tuesday. During the sentencing, Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz stated that Fineday had neglected his daughter in “nearly every way” possible.
Judge’s remarks and case details
During the sentencing, Judge Schiltz described the neglect as encompassing “nearly every way” possible. Jewel Sky Fineday was found to be “not just thin, but skeletal” at the time of her death. She had head lice, had not seen a doctor in three years except for receiving coronavirus vaccines incentivized by cash, and was prevented from attending school, which could have provided meals. The official cause of death was identified as malnutrition and a Streptococcal infection resulting from neglect.
Legal proceedings and sentence
In addition to the five-year prison sentence, Fineday, who resides in Red Lake, was also given two years of supervised release for child neglect.
Attorney Andrew Luger noted that Fineday’s “demonstration of sincere remorse by pleading guilty in advance of trial and without a plea agreement” was a mitigating factor that contributed to the relatively lenient sentence.
Judge Schiltz emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that Fineday’s case should serve as a warning to other caregivers. He urged those struggling to provide for a child’s basic needs to “pick up the phone” and seek help, stressing that neglecting or abusing a child carries severe consequences for both the child and the responsible adult.
Fineday’s sentencing comes shortly after a New Jersey father was convicted of aggravated manslaughter and child endangerment for forcing his six-year-old son to run on a treadmill “because he was too fat.” These cases highlight the grave consequences of child neglect and abuse, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and greater support for at-risk families.