Late yesterday afternoon Judge David Darnold returned a guilty verdict on all 3 counts in the States case against Aimee Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick had been charged with 2 counts of First Degree Statutory Sodomy, class A Felonies and a companion charge of Felony Child Endangerment. Fitzpatrick had waived jury trial and Judge Darnold presided over yesterday’s proceedings.Richard Purkey, Aimee Fitzpatrick’s stepfather was convicted in 1998 of sexually abusing Aimee Fitzpatrick. Purkey went to prison for those crimes and was a registered sex offender. Purkey, 70 pleaded guilty in April and was sentenced to 27 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for abusing the 12-year-old daughter of Aimee Fitzpatrick.
Aimee Fitzpatrick was initially charged in 2014 after the disclosure by Aimee’s daughter that Richard Purkey had abused her. After the disclosure to Aimee Fitzpatrick, the mother still allowed Purkey access to the daughter and in doing so failed to protect the young girl.
Emotional testimony was heard by Judge Darnold from the 12-year-old Victim, Aimee Fitzpatrick and Karen Purkey, wife of Richard Purkey.
After Judge Darnold read the verdict, he ordered Fitzpatrick to be taken into custody and held at the Bates County Jail until sentenceing.
Sentencing for Fitzpatrick will be held July 26. Fitzpatrick faces 10-30 years to life imprisonment. Bates County Prosecuting Attorney, Hugh C. Jenkins represented the State.