Conviction in Baby Rape Trial

He said it was an accidental scratch or pinch, but today jurors said what a Benton man did to a baby was rape. The quick guilty verdict stunned Mark Turbyfill`s legal team. They say they hadn`t prepared for anything but a win. But that`s not the plan jurors had, finding Turbyfill guilty in just 40 minutes. The 45 year old was babysitting his girlfriend`s daughter in 2002 when she suffered vaginal tearing so severe doctors have likened it to childbirth. With this verdict, prosecutors say the girl has justice and now even more. "I`m so pleased that the baby is out of that environment and is with folks, with people who love her and care about her. She`s doing well now," said Saline county prosecutor Robert Herzfeld. Turbyfill was charged with rape in this case as an habitual offender. He hasn`t served time for sexual crimes in his past, but he has been convicted for theft and check kiting. He`s been sentenced to serve 60 years for the rape. His family and legal team are considering an appeal.