COLUMBUS, Ohio – The mother of a 1-year-old Maryland boy found dead inside a backpack in an Ohio creek has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence.
Twenty-five-year-old Dainesha (deh-NEESH'-uh) Stevens entered her plea Friday in Franklin County court under an agreement with prosecutors recommending a 12-year prison sentence.
Defense attorney Mark Collins says the child, Cameron Beckford, was primarily beaten by a friend of Stevens' and Stevens is taking responsibility for her inaction. Collins says the man believed Cameron had demons and beat the toddler to get rid of them.
The man hasn't been indicted.
Columbus police found the body Dec. 31 and believe he was killed during a Christmastime trip. The coroner says the boy had bruises on his lower back, kidneys, lungs and buttocks.
Sentencing is July 23.
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