A Horseheads man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of a 3-year-old boy, according to Chemung County District Attorney Weeden Wetmore.
Christopher Woods, 28, entered the guilty plea Tuesday in Chemung County Court during jury selection for his trial.
Prosecutors said Woods previously admitted to New York State Police investigators that on Sept. 15, he became frustrated when the child began crying during nap time at a residence on Hayes Drive in Horseheads. Investigators said Woods picked up the toddler and slammed him to the floor twice, causing the back of the child’s head to strike the floor.
According to authorities, Woods told investigators the child was mumbling afterward. Rather than immediately seeking medical care, prosecutors said Woods put the child to bed, later placed him on a couch, and drove to Corning to pick up two of the child’s siblings from school before returning home.
Authorities said Woods eventually brought the child to Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, arriving at approximately 3:49 p.m. with the child unresponsive.
During his guilty plea, Woods admitted that after slamming the child to the floor, the boy would not wake up and later turned blue while Woods was driving. Woods also acknowledged that he returned home instead of immediately seeking emergency medical treatment.
Prosecutors said Woods admitted his actions and failure to seek prompt medical care demonstrated a depraved indifference to human life.
An autopsy performed by forensic pathologist Dr. Robert Stoppacher determined the child’s death was caused by blunt force trauma to the back of the head.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Woods faces a sentence of 18 years to life in state prison.
Chemung County Court Judge Richard Rich Jr. accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for Aug. 3. Woods remains in custody at the Chemung County Jail pending sentencing.
