GRAND ISLAND — A Grand Island childcare provider has been sentenced to 60 to 90 years in prison in connection with the 2024 death of a 2-month-old boy who was in her care.
Hall County District Judge Andrew Butler sentenced 29-year-old Bianca Y. Rivera Lima on July 8. Rivera Lima was found guilty of felony child abuse resulting in death following a five-day bench trial that concluded April 17.
Butler credited Rivera Lima with 806 days already served in jail.
In his sentencing order, Butler wrote that a lesser sentence would depreciate the seriousness of the crime and promote disrespect for the law. He also said Rivera Lima caused serious harm, there was no justification for her actions, and she was not a suitable candidate for probation.
According to a probable cause statement filed by the Grand Island Police Department, emergency personnel were called to a residence at 319 E. 16th St. on April 22, 2024, after receiving a report of a 2-month-old child who was not breathing.
Rivera Lima was caring for the boy at her daycare while his parents were at work.
The child was initially taken to CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island before being flown to Children’s Nebraska in Omaha. According to court records, the boy suffered severe bleeding around the brain and retinal hemorrhaging and showed no movement or signs of life after being transported.
Medical professionals determined that the injuries were consistent with severe shaking and/or slamming and were intentionally inflicted, according to the probable cause statement.
Investigators said Rivera Lima was the only adult with the child at the time he was injured. Court records also state that she delayed calling 911 for an unknown reason.
The probable cause statement identified Rivera Lima as a native of Guatemala.
