A man charged with the 2011 murder of his girlfriend's four-year-old son and the near-death of his three-year-old brother pleaded guilty to second degree murder and two counts of aggravated child abuse.
Kenneth Dewayne Coleman received 20 years for the murder charge and 15 years for the child abuse charges.
Coleman was previously scheduled for trial in August. Originally, he faced felony murder and attempted murder charges.
He initially told police that they boy had only fallen down the stairs. However, he later admitted to striking the boys with a belt repeatedly.
He also said the boys had vomited earlier that day, complaining of stomach pains.
When they arrived at the hospital, doctors pronounced the oldest child dead on arrival and the youngest was taken into intensive care.
Doctors found abrasions and bruises on the forehead, arms, legs, and abdomen of the deceased child.
The youngest son, in addition to also having bruises all over, was said to have dehydration and liver damage.
The girlfriend stated she had previously seen Coleman excessively discipline the boys.