Mother Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing Sons in Bullitt County

SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Bullitt County woman who confessed to the murders of her two young sons has been sentenced to life in prison. On Friday, Judge Rodney Burress handed down the sentence to Tiffanie Lucas for the killings of her sons, 6-year-old Maurice Baker Jr. and 9-year-old Jayden Howard. According to courtroom proceedings, Lucas was apprehended in November 2023 following the incident at their home on Bentwood Drive, Bullitt County.

The children were discovered shot and subsequently died from their injuries after being rushed to the hospital. The case avoided trial due to Lucas’ guilty plea, which precludes her from appealing the sentence. «A mother is more than the giving of life,» stated Judge Burress during the hearing. «It’s providing food, clothing, and shelter but, more importantly, love and security. I cannot imagine the sheer horror these children must have experienced seeing their mother with a gun.» Following these remarks, Burress imposed maximum sentences for both counts against Lucas.

Bullitt County Commonwealth’s Attorney Bailey Taylor confirmed that life imprisonment was the maximum sentence Lucas could face under the charges. «Tiffanie Lucas not only murdered Jayden and Maurice but she forever scarred the lives of their family and friends,» Taylor remarked during Friday’s court session.

Lip-quivering testimony and victim impact statements were delivered by family members, including the boys’ father, Maurice Baker, and their grandmother, Regina Rowen. They outlined the devastating impact of the murders on their lives, describing Lucas as «selfish» and «monstrous.» «She chose to take drugs and put them in that situation,» Maurice Baker stated emotionally during his testimony.

Defense attorneys highlighted Lucas’ mental state at the time, asserting that opioid withdrawal led to a psychotic episode. They claimed she held delusional fears of being targeted by a dangerous group, which prompted the tragic events. «Essentially, Tiffanie’s psychotic episode was brought on by opioid withdrawal,» said her attorney Richard Lawniczak.

Despite emotional pleas and visible distress, Lucas remained largely silent in court, only expressing her emotions through tears. Family members observed her behavior, with some believing her tears were an attempt to sway the judge. «She cried today,» commented Bobbie Baker, Maurice Jr.’s aunt. «That’s the first time she’s ever cried. And she cried to play on the judge.»

According to legal provisions, Lucas could be eligible for parole after 20 years; however, this possibility was publicly doubted by the prosecutor. «Now, I can’t speak for the parole board, but I think the chances of her being paroled after 20 years are somewhere between slim and none,» Taylor stated.

The courtroom was somber during the hearing, with further emotional appeals from the children’s family members who implored the court to ensure substantial justice for the deceased boys. «You know that you could’ve given those kids to us,» said Regina Rowen, reiterating the family’s readiness to care for the boys.