Watch CBS News

Caregiver Pleads Guilty In Young New Jersey Boy's Death

MAYS LANDING, N.J. (AP) — A southern New Jersey man charged in the death of a young child he was caring for has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Larry Atwell of Egg Harbor Township faces up to seven years in prison when he's sentenced Jan. 5. He will have to serve 85 percent of his sentence before he becomes eligible for probation.

In entering his plea Friday, the 45-year-old Atwell agreed that 1-year-old Cory Sechtin of Ventnor died of abusive head trauma.

Atlantic County prosecutors say authorities were told that the child fell and was seriously injured in September 2010 while Atwell was caring for him at a home in Egg Harbor Township (read related story).

The boy died of his injuries three days later, and the death was ruled a homicide.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.