Daniel Messner, a Marshall County man who pleaded guilty to the death of his 3-month-old baby, has been sentenced to 20-40 years in prison.
On November 18, 2019, the McMechen Police Department and other agencies were alerted to the child who was unresponsive inside of a home.
Medical records show that the child's brain was bruised. There was additional evidence of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Messner entered an Alfred Kennedy Plea in January on three counts - voluntary manslaughter, child neglect resulting in death and malicious manslaughter.
The plea means he did not admit guilt but acknowledged evidence against him.
"He didn't do this," Messner's mother Pamala said.
"He wasn't aware, still isn't aware of what actually caused the death of his son," Messner’s attorney Michael Baum said.
The state says evidence from the hospital reveals Christian, the son, died from brain damage from trauma and not a hole in the heart, or choking.
"Nothing that happens here today or said here today will bring Christian back, your honor,” Prosecutor Joe Canestraro said.
His official sentencing is 20-to-40 years in prison, including 15 years for voluntary manslaughter, 2-10 years for malicious assault, and 3-15 years for neglect
“When a child dies, especially a baby by homicide, the state believes the punishment needs to be severe and send a message to the community of safety and stop the future committing acts of violence to children," Canestraro said.
Messner is also required to register on the child abuse registry for 10 years and be on supervised release on child abuse following parole for 50 years.