'Unforgivable:' West Allis mother convicted of abusing 6-year-old son sentenced to decades behind bars

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The West Allis mother who plead guilty in August to charges of abuse and neglect that led to the death of her 6-year-old son last September will now spend over 30 years in prison.

During a sentencing hearing on Thursday, Oct. 6 at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, Judge Jean Kies said Tasha Rockow will be in Wisconsin state prison for 33 years, followed by 12 years of extended supervision — a ruling she believes is fair for Rockow’s “senseless actions.”

“You are the cause of his death, whether you like it or not,” Judge Kies told Rockow. “In short, you tortured this child and that’s unforgivable.”

Officials said they responded to reports of a child with a stab wound in September 2021.

According to the criminal complaint, when they arrived on scene, they found Hank Brown-Rockow with gray skin, human bite marks, and bruises from head-to-toe.

“You withheld food from him. You didn’t allow him to sit on the furniture. He’s not a dog, he’s a human being,” Judge Kies said. “He didn’t deserve any of this.”

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office report said Brown-Rockow did not die from the stab wound, but rather from other blunt force-related injuries to his abdominal area.

The judge also ruled Thursday that Rockow may not have any contact with her other two young children unless they request it.

If that happens, then their respective fathers must meet with therapists who also agree.

That will change once the children turn 18 and can make their own decisions as adults.

As for Rockow, the convicted mother expressed remorse before her sentencing.

“Please find it to forgive me and watch over your brothers. I’m sorry I failed as your mom,” Rockow said.