SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - A jury in Sioux Falls says a man accused in the death of his girlfriend’s 1 ½-year-old son is guilty of manslaughter but not murder.
The Argus Leader reports (https://argusne.ws/1hv19bi ) the jury deliberated about four hours before reaching the verdict Thursday. It means 26-year-old Congolese refugee Manegabe Ally will not automatically get a life prison sentence - though it’s still a possibility.
Ally was caring for Merveil Kasangu on Christmas Eve 2012, when he called 911 to report that the boy wasn’t breathing. The child died in the hospital the next day.
A coroner testified the boy died of a skull fracture. Testimony during the trial centered around whether the injury was accidental.
Circuit Judge Mark Salter ordered a presentence investigation. He did not immediately schedule sentencing.
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Information from: Argus Leader, https://www.argusleader.com
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