Epping Woman Gets 30 to 60 Years for Abusing 18-Month-Old Twins

BRENTWOOD, N.H. - A Rockingham County woman was sentenced to between 30 and 60 years for abusing 18-month-old twins, leaving one of the twins was left with lifelong brain damage and permanent blindness in his left eye.

Jami Castine, who was convicted in March for abusing the twins, was sentenced to 20-40 years committed at the New Hampshire State Prison followed by 10-20 years suspended, on two counts of first degree assault and one count of second degree assault.

Castine had volunteered to watch the children for a friend between March 31 and April 8, 2016. Epping Police began their investigation on April 8 after one of the victims was found unresponsive at Castine's home.

Witnesses who observed Castine with the children testified that they heard her call the children vulgar names and make reference to inflicting physical discipline against them. They also testified that they observed her use aggressive tactics when handling the children or feeding them.

Rockingham County Attorney Patricia G. Conway said the force the injuries required was horrific.

"We cannot even imagine what this woman did to cause these injuries. Just imagine how scared and confused these babies were," she said in a statement. "Imagine the pain and terror that they must have endured at the hands of this defendant. These children were completely at the mercy of this woman. The hideous nature of this case calls for and demands serious punishment. The punishment needs to fit the crimes—and the appropriate punishment is substantial committed time at the state prison."

Courtesy Photo / Epping PD