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Long Island Mom Sentenced To 12 Years In Death Of Disabled Daughter

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Long Island woman who admitted killing her 8-year-old disabled daughter on the day she was to be a flower girl has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Veronica Cirella pleaded guilty in May to manslaughter, admitting she took Julie Cirella's life in July 2011. The girl, who had cerebral palsy, died on the day she was to serve as a wedding flower girl at her uncle's wedding.

Police initially said the girl died after being given M&Ms by her mother, who knew the child had a peanut allergy. An autopsy found the child died of asphyxiation, but no peanuts were found in her system.

Cirella also left a suicide note asserting an intention to kill her daughter, prosecutors said. She declined to speak at her sentencing Friday.

"Julie Cirella's young life was cut tragically short by the one person who should have protected her," Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said in a statement. "While nothing can bring this young victim back, I commend our prosecutors and partners in law enforcement for bringing justice in this case."

Cirella's attorney William Keahon said exact details of what happened likely will never be known.

"She had asthma, it could have been an asthma attack," he told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall. "Number two is acid reflux -- she could have choked."

He said there was no proof of smothering or strangulation. He said his client pleaded guilty because she could not mentally or physically undergo a trial, and that she cries every day for her daughter.

As CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported, Cirella's family has stood behind her since she was first arrested.

"She was amazing, her mother was the best care giver, could do things I couldn't do," Joseph Cirella said.

"She would never hurt her. Never, never," Dolores Cirella said.

Back in May, Delores described her daughter-in-law as the "best mother."

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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