Mpls. Teen Pleads Guilty In Beating Death Of 2-Year-Old

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An 18-year-old has pleaded guilty in the beating death of his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter in Minneapolis.

Cody Feran-Baum entered his plea Wednesday in adult court. He admitted to one count of unintentional murder. He was 17 at the time of Sophia O'Neill's death, and had tried to keep the case in juvenile court.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says Feran-Baum could get 25 years when sentenced Dec. 22. That's longer than a person with no criminal history would normally get, but Freeman says the girl endured significant torture.

Feran-Baum admitted he was alone taking care of his girlfriend's daughter on June 10 when the girl wouldn't stop crying. Feran-Baum admitted he kicked the girl and stepped on her back. The injuries caused organ failure, broken bones and bruising.