RALEIGH, N.C. — Launice Shanique Battle has been sentenced to 94 to 125 months in prison for the deaths of her two young daughters, who died after being left in a hot car for over six hours while she gambled at an internet casino.
Wake County Superior Court Judge Rebecca W. Holt delivered the sentence on Thursday, following a plea agreement in which Battle pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder. Originally charged with two counts of felony murder, Battle faced a potential maximum sentence of more than 80 years in prison.
In determining the sentence, the court acknowledged Battle’s willingness to accept responsibility for her actions as a mitigating factor. No aggravating factors were found that could have increased the sentence. Battle has been credited with 667 days already served.
The incident occurred on August 27, 2022. Raleigh Police Department officers responded to Duke Raleigh Hospital at approximately 9:38 p.m. regarding the suspicious deaths of 3-year-old Amora Milbourne and 2-year-old Trinity Milbourne. The girls were pronounced dead that evening, and Battle was taken into custody the following morning.
The case highlights the tragic consequences of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during extreme heat. Judge Holt’s sentence reflects the severity of the crime while considering Battle’s acceptance of responsibility.
