MADERA - A Madera County jury convicted Amy Chavoya last week of first degree murder of her adopted daughter, Mariah, as well as torture of Mariah and her brother Christopher. She faces life in the state prison as a result of her convictions.

The defendant was charged with five counts: first degree murder of Mariah, torture of Mariah, torture of her brother Christopher, as well as two counts of felony child abuse. The abuse and torture of Christopher occurred between July 1, 2010 and March 25, 2015. The abuse and torture of Mariah occurred between July 1, 2010 and October 10, 2014, the day that the defendant murdered her.

The defendant originally fostered Mariah and Christopher in June 2010 and eventually adopted both children. The adoption became final in February 2014. The evidence during the trial showed that the physically abusive acts escalated over time, culminating in Mariah’s death as well as great bodily injury to Christopher.

The District Attorney’s Office appreciates the cooperation of Victim Services for supporting the surviving victim and the other children within the home who witnessed the abuse. The District Attorney’s Office also thanks the Madera County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation in this matter as well as the Golden Valley School District personnel who reported concerns to Child Protective Services. The District Attorney’s Office also thanks each of the witnesses who testified about their observations.