A Vermont man charged with killing his 2-year-old stepdaughter in a case that led to changes in the state's child protection laws has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Dennis Duby originally pleaded not guilty in the death of Dezirae Sheldon. Prosecutors say Duby was the only adult home in February 2014 when the girl suffered severe head trauma.
In court Monday, Duby said he was tired and frustrated when he kicked Dezirae's feet out from under her, causing her to hit her head. He said he didn't mean to cause the injuries that led to her death.
Dezirae's father won a $500,000 settlement last year after suing the state, saying it failed to protect her.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
