DANVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A central Kentucky woman has reached a plea deal in the death of her 3-year-old step-granddaughter.
Multiple news outlets report that 42-year-old Shila Raley pleaded guilty in court in Danville on Thursday to second-degree manslaughter in the death of Alexa Raley.
Kentucky State Police said Alexa died at a hospital in June 2014 after sustaining blunt force injuries to the abdomen. Shila Raley was arrested nearly six month later.
She was initially charged with murder in Alexa’s death, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge as part of a plea deal.
In exchange for her plea, the Boyle County Commonwealth’s Attorney Richie Bottoms recommended five years in prison.
Shila Raley will be formally sentenced next month.