( KNZA )-A Hiawatha man has entered a plea to charges in an amended complaint in the death of his 4-year-old son, and a second arrest has been made in the case.
Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 27-year-old Lee Davis IV pleaded no contest Monday in Brown County District Court to charges of second-degree murder and felony child abuse.
Davis had originally been charged with first-degree murder in the beating death of his son in March.
Sentencing was set for May31st.
Meanwhile, Hill says Davis' live-in girlfriend, 28-year-old Janice Summerford, was arrested Tuesday on charges of aiding and abetting murder in the 2nd degree, aiding and abetting felony child abuse and obstructing apprehension or prosecution.
Hill said an investigation revealed Summerford was present at the time of the beating.
He said following intensive interviews with Sheriff’s investigator Randy Linck and himself last Friday, Davis acknowledged his role in the beating of his son, which ultimately resulted in the child’s death two days later.
He said based on the forensic examination and investigation by law enforcement, it was determined that the tragic death of the child was not premeditated by the individuals involved, but was the result of a beating that got way out of hand.
Hill said that without the many long hours of investigation put in by the Brown County Sheriff's Office, Hiawatha Police Department, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and DFC's forensic interviewer, the full picture of what occurred may never have been known.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
LATEST STORIES
Doniphan Co Attorney files for re-election
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Nemaha NRD Board appoints new Director
Johnson-Brock Board approves personnel changes
KS Omnibus Budget signed; funds mental health, economy, others
Pawnee City School to move forward with strategic planning
Falls City High School parking lot project approved
Annual fire hydrant flushing underway in Falls City