Man Sentenced in Boy's Death

A southern New Jersey man who admitted causing the death of a toddler he was caring for has been sentenced to seven years in prison.
 
Larry Atwell of Egg Harbor Township must serve nearly six years of the term imposed Friday before he becomes eligible for probation. He pleaded guilty last November to manslaughter in the September 2010 death of Cory Sechtin, a year-old Ventnor resident.

Atlantic County prosecutors say authorities were told that the child fell and was seriously injured while Atwell was caring for him. But the death was ruled a homicide after doctors determined the baby had been shaken.
 
The Press of Atlantic City reports Sechtin's mother left him in the care of Atwell's wife, but she was sick and transferred responsibility to Atwell.