NORFOLK, Va. – A man charged for the December death of his infant son pleaded guilty and was sentenced Friday.
Arthur Smith was charged with Second Degree Murder in the death of his 7-week-old son, Zion Lee Smith.
Zion’s autopsy showed that the cause of death was deceleration and acceleration traumatic brain injury.
Smith told police he got mad when the baby wouldn’t stop crying so he shook the baby twice. Police said he was playing video games at the time. He reportedly told police the baby began breathing abnormally and blood started coming out of his nose.
After entering a guilty plea Friday, Smith was sentenced to 40 years in prison with 26 years suspended. He was also sentenced to 40 years of probation.
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Mother of murdered infant: ‘I was shocked, hurt, in denial’
