A western Pennsylvania woman has pleaded no contest to third-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend's 10-month-old son.
Authorities charged 24-year-old Hayley Butler, of Johnstown, because she was alone watching little Brennon Everett on Aug. 15, 2014 while his father was working.
Investigators say Butler claimed the boy fell and became unresponsive, but after he died Sept. 3, doctors later determined the child had suffered ``abusive head trauma.''
Defense attorney Lucas Kelleher contends a defense expert's report suggested the boy was injured before Butler cared for him, but he didn't want to risk a first-degree murder conviction _ and the mandatory life sentence that carries _ by going to trial.
The third-degree murder charge Butler agreed to in Cambria County on Monday carries a maximum 40-year sentence.
Butler's sentencing is Dec. 21.
