CORVALLIS, Ore. (Jun. 4, 2026) — An Oregon jury has convicted a Benton County woman on multiple felony charges in connection with the 2023 death of her 2-month-old daughter, concluding that she failed to provide necessary medical care despite signs of severe abuse, illness and drug exposure.
A Benton County jury on June 2 found 29-year-old Deborah Albin guilty of first-degree manslaughter and two counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment in the death of her daughter, Opal Oaks. Jurors later determined that aggravating factors applied to all three convictions, citing the infant’s extreme vulnerability due to her age.
Opal was born on Dec. 16, 2022, to Albin and Andrew Oaks. On Feb. 26, 2023, when the infant was 2 months and 10 days old, emergency responders were called after she stopped breathing. Efforts to revive the child at the scene and later at a hospital were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead.
An autopsy revealed extensive injuries and medical complications. Investigators said Opal had 13 broken ribs with fractures in 18 locations, occurring during at least three separate incidents based on varying stages of healing. Medical examiners also found both chronic and acute pneumonia, a puncture in the membrane surrounding one lung caused by complications from the rib fractures, and toxic levels of methamphetamine in her system. Diphenhydramine, commonly known as Benadryl, was also detected.
The Oregon State Medical Examiner determined Opal died from complications associated with the rib fractures, including pneumonia, with methamphetamine toxicity listed as another significant contributing condition. The death was ruled a homicide.
A Benton County grand jury indicted Albin on Sept. 26, 2023. Prosecutors alleged she recklessly caused Opal’s death through neglect and maltreatment and knowingly failed to provide adequate medical attention and physical care despite her legal duty as the child’s parent.
Detective Lt. David Iverson of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. Evidence presented during the trial showed that Albin and Oaks were Opal’s sole caregivers and that the infant was never left in the care of others.
According to testimony, Oaks frequently left home to seek and use methamphetamine. Albin had expressed concerns about Oaks smoking methamphetamine inside the home while Opal was present. Investigators also learned that Albin witnessed Oaks handling the infant roughly, describing one incident in which he tossed the baby around “like a rag doll.” Albin reportedly told investigators she did not believe Opal was safe around Oaks but nevertheless continued leaving the child alone with him.
Evidence further showed the couple had a volatile relationship marked by frequent conflict and episodes of physical abuse directed at Albin. Despite repeatedly threatening to leave Oaks and expressing distrust of him, prosecutors argued that Albin remained in the relationship while maintaining financial independence and access to support from both her parents and in-laws.
During the week before Opal’s death, Albin knew the infant was suffering from breathing difficulties, fever and trouble sleeping, according to testimony. Prosecutors argued she failed to seek medical care despite those symptoms.
Photographs taken while Opal was alive showed bruising on her head and abrasions around her nose. Autopsy photographs revealed additional bruising on her back and head. Medical experts testified the rib injuries were consistent with forceful squeezing.
At trial, which began May 18 and concluded June 2, prosecutors presented testimony from medical experts who said doctors likely would have discovered the rib fractures, pneumonia and methamphetamine exposure had Albin reported either the child’s symptoms or Oaks’ alleged treatment of the infant. Experts also testified that Opal’s fever and respiratory distress warranted immediate medical attention.
Instead, evidence showed Albin called 911 only after realizing the infant had stopped breathing.
Defense attorneys had previously indicated they might argue that Albin’s actions were influenced by fear of harm from Oaks. However, prosecutors said that defense was not presented during trial. Instead, defense attorneys argued that Albin did not understand the severity of Opal’s condition until the day she died.
After approximately two hours of deliberation, jurors unanimously convicted Albin on all counts. On June 3, jurors returned to determine whether aggravating factors applied and found that all three offenses involved a particularly vulnerable victim due to Opal’s age. They also determined that the criminal mistreatment charges involved harm significantly greater than typical because the neglect resulted in the child’s death.
“Justice was done in this case,” Deputy District Attorney Laura Kaercher said in a statement. “Opal’s story was told, and the jury did the right thing. I feel a lingering sadness, though, as the life of this innocent baby cannot be restored.”
Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Ipson said the verdict reflected the evidence presented during trial.
“Opal was a vulnerable infant,” Ipson said. “The jury was forced to consider weighty evidence, and their verdict affirms what the evidence in this case made clear—Albin failed to provide necessary medical attention and physical care to Opal despite witnessing Opal’s abuse, exposure to methamphetamine, and deteriorating medical condition.”
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
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