STURGIS, MI — A Sturgis woman, 22-year-old Paige Bohne, was sentenced this week to 18 to 45 years in prison for first-degree child abuse leading to the death of her 2-year-old daughter, in a case that has deeply affected the community. Bohne, who also received a concurrent 4 to 10 years for assault with intent to do bodily harm, has been credited for 406 days already served, court documents show.
The sentencing follows an incident last November at the Memory Lane Mobile Home Park where Bohne lived. She dialed emergency services on the morning of Nov. 7 to report her daughter Octavia as unresponsive. Responding teams could not revive the child, who was later determined by an autopsy to have been suffocated.
Investigations into the tragic event revealed a distressing scenario where Bohne pressed Octavia face-down into a couch cushion until she ceased moving. This occurred after her repeated attempts to get the toddler to nap had failed. Bohne reportedly told investigators her actions were out of frustration from the child’s refusal to rest.
Adding to the severity, it was found that Bohne had administered an excessive amount of melatonin gummies to Octavia, far exceeding adult recommendations. The prosecution described these actions as desperate attempts by Bohne to secure some time alone.
Describing the nature of Bohne’s neglect, authorities cited how she often prioritized personal activities — such as texting, using social media, and making food — over her daughter’s welfare, leading to fatal outcomes.
In a court decision made earlier in July, Bohne entered a no-contest plea to the charges of child abuse and assault. In return, charges of murder and conspiracy to commit child abuse were dismissed.
The case has resonated deeply within Sturgis, a tight-knit community roughly two and a half hours from Detroit. The family especially has struggled with the reality of the situation. Charles Bohne, Octavia’s grandfather, conveyed the immense sorrow, calling the situation “surreal” and akin to a “nightmare,” struggling to grasp how such a tragedy could occur under their watch.
Friends and family remembered Octavia as a joyous child, always ready with a smile and fond of playing her favorite games. Tributes highlighted her love for cheese puffs, the color pink, and dancing to lively music, emphasizing the bright and playful spirit taken prematurely.
The sentence marks an end to a harrowing chapter for Bohne and a period of mourning and reflection for those around her. It serves as a grave reminder of the responsibilities and stresses facing young parents and the critical importance of supportive interventions in times of need.
Bohne will remain incarcerated, ineligible for parole until the minimum sentence is served, sealing a cautionary tale that has left a community in mourning and a family grappling with loss.