( 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
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One injured in Nemaha Co wreck
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Wetmore man arrested on child sex-related charge
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
TX man to stand trial on charges in fatal Jackson Co crash
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
Local judge files for re-election
Atchison in running for national fireworks honors
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
BC's Pate remembered by students, college family
Bridge work begins Wed in Doniphan Co
LATEST STORIES
Contested races in Tuesday Primary Election in Nebraska
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
Two file to challenge local legislator
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting