Kelly Sentencing Postponed Until after Holidays

By Irene Lagan
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 12/12/02)

A Prince William County jury recommended a one-year prison sentence for Kevin Kelly, the Manassas father who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and child neglect in the death of his 21-month-old daughter Frances. The toddler, the youngest of the 13 Kelly children, was left in the family van for more than seven hours in the blistering heat.

A jury of six men and six women reconvened following a two-week delay because one juror was hospitalized with a blood clot in her lung.

Circuit Court Judge Rossie Alston Jr. allowed Kelly to remain free to spend the Christmas holidays with his family. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Feb. 21. The judge can accept or reduce the jury’s recommendations, but cannot impose a longer sentence on Kelly.

"There is no guarantee that you will walk out of this court on Feb. 21," Circuit Court Judge Rossie Alston Jr. told Kelly.

Kelly, a 46-year-old engineer, who could have been sentenced to a maximum of 15 years, expressed gratitude to the judge for allowing him to spend the holidays with his family.

In the wake of Frances Kelly’s death on May 29, the family has been devastated by the ordeal of the trial and conviction of their father. Kelly expressed his sadness at the tragic death of his daughter.

Frances Kelly was left in a van after Kelly drove his other children to school. The child, who was normally looked after by Kelly’s wife and eldest daughter, was napping. Kelly’s wife and daughter were in Ireland visiting a sick relative.

The tragedy has torn the community, as well as the family, apart. While all agree that Kelly is a loving and attentive father, some community members felt that other incidents in which children were left behind or not attended to were indications that the family needed help.

Members of the Seton School community in Manassas, where several Kelly children are students, and nearby All Saints Parish have come to the aid of the Kelly family, providing material, spiritual and financial support.

A legal defense fund has been set up to help the Kelly family pay their legal fees. Contributions can be sent to: Kevin Kelly’s Family Legal Defense Fund, c/o BB&T Bank, Att: Angi Armas, 9201 Church St., Manassas, VA 20110. 

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