A former Exeter Township woman pleaded guilty but mentally ill Tuesday in Berks County Court to third‑degree murder in the strangling death of her 3‑year‑old daughter four years ago.
Solange J. White, 37, entered the plea as a non-jury trial before Judge Thomas G. Parisi was set to begin. White, who has been confined to a state psychiatric facility, had waived her right to a speedy trial multiple times while her attorneys sought additional time to prepare her defense.
District Attorney John T. Adams said at the time of White’s arrest on June 30, 2022, that mental health issues would become a significant factor as the case progressed. He said Wednesday that White’s family had long been concerned about her mental state and that she had been preparing to undergo professional treatment.
According to prosecutors:
Exeter police were dispatched at 3:40 a.m. following a 911 call from White’s residence in the 100 block of West 46th Street. The caller reported that a 3‑year‑old girl was unconscious and that he believed White had strangled her.
STEVEN HENSHAW — READING EAGLE
Police protect the scene in the 100 block of West 46th Street in Exeter Township on June 30, 2022, hours after a child was found dead. (STEVEN HENSHAW READING EAGLE)
Police interviewed a man identified in court papers only as Witness 1, who officials later said was the defendant’s husband. He told investigators that he was awakened by White, who urged him to get a gun.
When he asked, “What have you done?” he went to check on the children and found the victim unresponsive and blue in the face.
People inside the home attempted lifesaving measures. Investigators saw marks and bruising on the child’s neck consistent with strangulation. Officers found White crying at the front door when they arrived.
After accepting the plea, Parisi convened the sentencing hearing. Following a long day of emotional testimony — four family members spoke for the prosecution, and several relatives and friends spoke for the defense — the judge adjourned without issuing a decision, said Meg McCallum, a supervising assistant district attorney.
McCallum, who prosecuted the case, said numerous community members also submitted letters on White’s behalf.
Parisi plans to review the testimony and reconvene the hearing Thursday to announce his ruling.
The prosecution had been preparing for trial this week when White’s attorney, Matthew S. Kopecki, informed McCallum and the judge that his client wished to change her plea after four years.
Asked about the outcome, McCallum said: “I think it’s the right outcome. Based on everything I reviewed, guilty but mentally ill is the appropriate outcome.”
Help is available
Call Berks County’s 24-hour mental health crisis help line, 610-379-2007, if you are experiencing a crisis.