Judge gives 21 years to Citrus Heights mom in toddler death, abuse case

Sentinel staff report–
The district attorney’s office announced Friday that a Citrus Heights mother has been sentenced to serve 21 years to life in prison in a case involving a 22-month-old child who was strangled to death two years ago.

Rebecca Thomas, 36, and her 26-year-old boyfriend Taylor Montgomery-Gutzman were both convicted by a jury in May of the second-degree murder of Kash Thomas, and felony child abuse involving his twin brother.

Sacramento Superior Court Judge Allen Sumner handed down the sentence on July 26 for Thomas, while her boyfriend awaits sentencing in October. He faces 31 years to life in prison.

Kash Thomas’ death occurred on Oct. 13, 2016, when police responded to the 8000 block of Auburn Boulevard and found him not breathing. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Following a police investigation, authorities determined the child did not die of natural causes and arrested the couple several weeks after the incident occurred.

The DA’s office said a jury found Montgomery-Gutzman had strangled Kash Thomas to death, and the child’s mother “had seen injuries on her children prior to the murder, but nonetheless left the 22-month-old twins in Montgomery-Gutzman’s care.”  Thomas had also been told to seek medical attention for both children, but did not do so.

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