Push for stiffer manslaughter penalties after child dies in Schenectady

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — The aunt of the young child who police said was starved to death is calling for justice. Family members of 5-year-old Charlotte Buskey remember her for her love of bubbles, snapchat filters, and being pushed around in her wagon.

Charlotte’s aunt shared photos of her with NEWS10 and said she wants justice for Charlotte and her younger brother.

Charlotte’s father, Robert Buskey is facing several charges in connection to her death, including second degree manslaughter, which is a Class C felony. He faces one to three years in prison if convicted.

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara introduced a bill on Thursday to increase penalties for manslaughter resulting in the death of a child. It would reclassify those charges as a Class A1 felony, which carries a sentence of 15 years to life. Santabarbara said current laws do not go far enough to hold perpetrators accountable.

“We need to seek justice for these crime victims and their families and send a clear message that if you’re going to commit crimes like this, you’re going to face the harshest penalties out there,” he said.

Charlotte was found unresponsive at a home on Elmer Avenue early Sunday morning. Police said she died at the scene. Investigators said Buskey’s 3-year-old son, who is now being cared for by relatives, had cocaine in his system.

Buskey is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

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