The man accused in the murder of 2-year-old Serenity Wilson has pleaded guilty in the case.
23-year-old Shane Weedling entered the plea on Tuesday of this week. He was arrested in 2015 after the infant was taken to the hospital with life threatening injuries. An investigation led authorities to believe that Weedling allegedly beat Wilson for wetting the bed.
The victim received intensive medical treatment before being pronounced dead from her injuries. Her cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma and prompted an outcry of community support.
The girl’s mother, Krysti Lavanway, was arrested and charged with Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death. She appealed her sentencing, but was denied by the appellate court.
Weedling was charged with the girl’s murder with a jury trial pending in the case slated for September 27th. In exchange for his guilty plea to the Murder charge, Weedling saw other charges, including Neglect of a Dependent and Possession of Marijuana dropped.
The Marshall County Prosecutor’s office says Weedling’s plea was unexpected. Judge Robert Bowen accepted the plea this week. Sentencing will take place October 6th.
