GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) – The man charged in the death of a 19-month-old pleads guilty to child abuse resulting in death.
Justin Keel, 26, was charged with a class two felony in Owen Reak’s death. The baby died of blunt force trauma to the stomach in April.
After reaching a verbal agreement at his arraignment on Dec. 6, Keel entered his plea at a hearing Tuesday afternoon that lasted just 15 minutes.
Friends and family of Owen declined to speak on camera, but the grandparents say they rejected previous deals because the sentencing was too short.
"Mr. Keel’s sentence will be to the Colorado Department of Corrections for a period of 24-36 years, plus parole. The family was consulted by the district attorney's office and agreed to the plea agreement in this case," said Chief Deputy District Attorney Mark Hand.
The judge declared a no-bond hold on Keel until sentencing, which will be on Feb.15, 2013.
