April 10, 2000

A final chapter in court today for a strange kidnapping case that made national news.

Christopher Fink was convicted of abducting his young son, and starving the child during a long odyssey through the Western United States. Today, a judge sentenced Fink for the crime. News Specialist Stacey Butler reports from the Matheson Courthouse.

Two years ago, the manhunt for Christopher Fink made national headlines. Under public scrutiny, he admitted to starving and kidnapping his baby son, David---a son that he will never raise and may never know.

Today Christopher Fink stood before a judge and asked for a chance to prove he is a changed man, and the judge gave him his freedom.

Cheryl Gardner/Christopher Fink's mother: "I JUST SAY THANK GOD HE'S GOING TO BE FREE AND THAT IT'S ALMOST FINALLY OVER."

After more than a year behind bars while waiting for final sentencing, Christopher Fink is now just months away from freedom. He could have faced more than 15 years in prison for starving and kidnapping his infant son.

The judge sentenced him to four more months in the county jail and three years probation. The judge warned Christopher to be humble and not force his opinions on others, especially children.

Christopher Fink apologized and said he has changed. But prosecutors say it's just an act.

Dane Nolan/Prosecutor: "HE MAKES HIMSELF SEEM LIKE HE'S COMPLETELY HUMBLE AND CONTRITE AND APOLOGETIC AND IT'S ALL HIS FAULT AND NOBODY ELSE'S FAULT--BUT WHEN HE GOES OUT TO THE PRISON-IT'S NOT WHAT HE SAYS, IT'S NOT HOW HE ACTS."

But the Fink family maintains Christopher's innocence.

Kelly Jones/Christopher Fink's sister: "I THINK PEOPLE FORGET THAT THERE WAS A TIME PERIOD THAT MY BROTHER HAD NOT SEEN HIS SON WHILE HE WAS IN THE CARE AND THE HANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE."

"THE ONLY THING CHRIS DID WAS TAKE HIS BABY OUT OF THE HOSPITAL AND TRY TO HELP HIM BECAUSE HE FELT HE WAS BEING IMMUNIZED AND SUBJECTED TO TESTING."

Christopher Fink will be released in the late summer on some strict conditions. He is neither to have contact with his two children, nor his ex-wife Kyndra. He must take medication for what prosecutors describe as a possible major thought disorder.

If Fink violates any of the terms of his probation he will end up in state prison. He already violated the terms of his release last year when he visited Kyndra despite the court's warning.