A Hawaii court has handed down the maximum 20-year prison sentence to a babysitter found responsible for the death of a 7-month-old infant who died from an antihistamine overdose while in her care.
Dixie Villa received the sentence on May 7 in an Oahu courtroom, marking the conclusion of a case that began more than six years ago with the death of Abigail Lobisch in February 2019.
Infant died from diphenhydramine toxicity
Prosecutors successfully argued that Villa administered a toxic dose of diphenhydramine—the active ingredient in Benadryl—to the infant without medical authorization. The antihistamine is not recommended for children under six years old unless specifically prescribed by a physician.
Court records show that Abigail was found unresponsive at Villa’s residence. A subsequent autopsy confirmed the cause of death as diphenhydramine toxicity.
During emotional testimony, Anna Lobisch, the infant’s mother, addressed the court: “The pain of living without Abby is a heavy weight I will carry every single day. My heart has never stopped hurting.”
Prosecution alleges babysitter was “overwhelmed”
The prosecution’s case centered on Villa’s state of mind while caring for four young children, including Abigail and her older brother. They contended that babysitter, feeling overwhelmed by her responsibilities, used electronic devices to occupy the older children and administered diphenhydramine to sedate Abigail.
“She could have called the child’s mother to take her back—but she didn’t,” argued Deputy Prosecutor Tiffany Kaeo, who pushed for the maximum sentence.
Villa’s defense team attempted to cast doubt on her culpability, suggesting that the child’s parents or others might have administered the drug, or that the substance could have been transferred through breast milk. These arguments failed to persuade Circuit Court Judge Faaunga To’oto’o, who determined that Villa was the only person with the opportunity to administer the medication.
Defense request for probation denied
Despite her attorney’s request for probation, citing Villa’s clean criminal record, her role as primary caregiver to two young children, and continued community involvement, Judge To’oto’o was unmoved.
“This should not have happened,” the judge stated firmly before delivering what he called “the only appropriate sentence: 20 years of imprisonment.”
Babysitter, who had remained free on bail since 2019, was taken into custody following her conviction in November. According to prosecutors, an appeal is anticipated.
Outside the courthouse, Anna Lobisch expressed relief at the sentence. “I’m happy with what happened in there,” she told reporters.
The case has drawn attention to childcare safety practices and the dangers of administering medication to infants without medical guidance.
