Prosecutor offers plea deal to girl’s mother

Benewah County Prosecutor Douglas Payne said he offered a plea agreement to one defendant in the Kyra Wine child abuse case. At a Monday hearing, Payne said he offered to drop one felony charge against Christina Haynes, 26, the mother of victim Kyra Wine, in exchange for her “full and truthful” testimony against her boyfriend, Charles William Smith, 29.

Both defendants are charged with two felonies: injuring a child and aggravated battery. Payne said he has offered to drop the aggravated battery charge against Haynes and recommend she receive the maximum 10-year sentence for injuring a child, with five years fixed.

The maximum sentence for aggravated battery is 15 years, Payne said.

The sentence, however, remains the decision of District Court Judge Fred Gibler. Both defendants are scheduled to appear before Gibler on Oct. 17 to enter pleas.

Haynes’ attorney, David Rogers, declined to discuss the case. Smith’s attorney, William Butler, did not return calls seeking comment.

Payne said Haynes’ testimony would be helpful in preparing a case against Smith, whom Payne believes is primarily responsible for abusing the 3-year-old girl. At the initial arraignment June 18, Payne said, Smith was asked if he understood what was happening. Smith responded that he didn’t understand why Haynes was there. According to Payne, Smith commented, “She didn’t do all this … . This is my fault.”

Payne said Haynes’ testimony would be invaluable. “It would be nice to have her testify against him because we have limited knowledge about what went on inside the house,” he said.