Andrea Rosebrock 
UPDATE – 12/20/08 - Christine Abrams in Jail! – You can also find links to all the background stories on this prolonged and horrific case.
This morning Christine Abrams found out the price of her cruelty, the horrific starvation death of the once beautiful German Shepherd, Ella, she cruelly abandoned and she will be serving jail time a nice hefty fine.
Although for many, a sentence nothing short of what Ella was sentenced to would seem fair, Judge Kelly McKibben did not take this crime lightly. Abrams was sentenced to 8 months in the Brevard County Jail, 12 months of supervised probation jail, a $5k fine as well as the cost of the prosecution and the investigation, 80 hours of community service and would not be allowed to possess animals during the period of her probation.
Nothing will bring Ella back but in handing down this sentence, Judge McKibben let Abrams know that she took this crime seriously.
“The facts of this case are very egregious,” the judge said. “I think she made a very bad decision that day.”
Andrew Stine, Abrams’ attorney, was seeking a sentence that did not include jail time and said that Abrams is remorseful, and has donated her family home to Catholic Charities. He will appeal the sentence immediately.
The judge withheld Abrams reporting to jail until after a further hearing on Dec. 16. Animal cruelty activists and protestors, who have closely watched this case for months, were unhappy, though, that Abrams will not have to go to jail right away, that she’ll be free while an appeal is pending.
I cannot believe that Stine is going to drag this out still…. well, yes I can but I don’t think it should even be permitted! Abrams changed her plea from not guilty allowing the judge full discretion in handing down a sentence. The judge did and the matter should be closed now! Let Justice be served!
This was much better than I expected. I honestly thought she was going to walk away with a small fine and community service. But it still doesn’t take away my tears for Ella.
@AIR – I was hoping for the full year but yes, this is better than what is usually handed down. I applaud Judge McKibben and just hope that the sentence stands.
It’s past time for Justice for Ella and for her to finally rest in peace. I share your grief, Andrea, for this life so cruelly taken.
way 2 go, Judge McKibben.
“Abrams is remorseful, and has donated her family home to Catholic Charities.” my, my my….bless her heart~NOT!!! o wow, ask me if i care!!! put the bitch in jail~NOW!!!! i hope she’s in there with a LOT of animal lovers n they “take care of her”
jeez, i get so vicious when i come on here. i’m really a very nice person…honest. it’s just that these “people” r just so horrible….k, i’m outa here.
THANK GOD A JUDGE IS FINALLY CRACKING DOWN ON PEOPLE LIKE THIS. LETS HOPE SHE GETS HER JUST DESSERTS IN JAIL FROM A LOT OF ANIMAL LOVERS.
once sentencing is done, they should go right to jail. whats the perpose otherwise. the lawyer is hoping to get time served, meaning, that since she was arrested to the time of the appeal, it would count as time served and lessen any actual jail time. that’s not a sentence. in jail is a sentence.
Yes, I am glad for the degree of sentencing handed down to Abrams, but the judge should make her start serving her sentence immediately. I have read other stories that Abrams is not remorseful that Ella died and I’m leary about her donating her house. I don’t know if I believe that, or not!