Mom of boy found dead in backpack in Ohio creek pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.