HARRISON -- An Arkansas man has been convicted of first-degree murder for the death of a 2-year-old girl and sentenced to life in prison.
Under a plea agreement, Cody Allen, 24, pleaded guilty Thursday to causing the death of a child, who suffered severe brain damage in May 2016. He initially faced a capital murder charge and the death penalty.
According to court documents, police who responded to a call about an unresponsive child were told that the girl had fallen down stairs. But authorities said the child's injuries seemed more severe than the explanation given.
Allen was arrested after a 48-hour investigation.
The child's mother, Anastasia Weaver, 21, also faces charges of manslaughter and permitting child abuse. Her trial date is scheduled for Feb. 22.
State Desk on 10/07/2017