The parents of 18-month-old twins were arrested March 13, 2013 on suspicion of child abuse. Monique Gaxiola, 30 (pictured), and Kristepher Benavidez, 25, were booked into Pima County jail. Each is facing two counts of child abuse. The twins, who were repeatedly abused, were hospitalized. Another child, age 7, was placed in the custody of Child Protective Services.

 Photo courtesy of the Tucson Police Department

TUCSON, Ariz. β€” A Tucson woman has been sentenced to 7 Β½ years in prison in the death of her 18-month-old daughter in 2013.

Pima County prosecutors say Monique Gaxiola was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to manslaughter.

Goxiola and the father of the child, Kristepher Benavidez, originally were charged with first-degree murder and child abuse.

Benavidez told authorities that he was trying to brush the toddler's teeth when she began thrashing around and hit her head on the sink.

She stopped breathing so he took the girl and her twin sister to the hospital.

Doctors discovered multiple signs of abuse on both toddlers.

Authorities say the girl who hit her head died.

Benavidez was sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison last month.

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