PHOENIX (AP) - A Fort Mohave man who pleaded guilty to killing his 2-year-old stepdaughter has been sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Matthew Lee Smith was sentenced Monday in federal court.
Smith had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, child abuse and assault charges.
He admitted to fatally beating his 2-year-old stepdaughter in July 2012 and bringing her to a laundry room where she was kept until her mother found her the next day.
Smith also admitted abusing his 5-year-old stepdaughter and 4-year-old biological son.
Authorities say the 5-year-old girl suffered brain damage as a result of a beating by Smith.
Smith also admitted breaking his 4-year-old son’s arm.
In his plea agreement, Smith said he wrote a letter saying he was sorry for his actions.
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