Gomez sentencing delayed

EPHRATA — The sentencing date for Maribel Gomez, who was found guilty of killing her 2-year-old son Rafael "Raffy" Gomez, is set for Monday at 9 a.m.

Gomez, 32, of Ephrata, was found guilty, by Grant County Superior Court Judge John Antosz, of homicide by abuse and first-degree manslaughter for Raffy's September 2003 death. Antosz made the decision after Gomez waived her right to a jury before the month-long trial began in February.

Her sentencing was previously scheduled for Tuesday of this week.

Grant County Prosecutor John Knodell said Gomez, who has five other children in foster care, should receive a sentence within the standard term of 20 to 26 years in prison.

Gomez, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, faces deportation hearings after her sentence is completed.

Gomez's defense lawyer, Bobby Moser of Moses Lake, plans to appeal her conviction.

— Staff report