Ex-Soldier Convicted Of Child Abuse In Baby Death
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - A former Fort Carson soldier accused in the death of a friend's 2-month-old son has been acquitted of first-degree murder but convicted of child abuse.
Jurors in Colorado Springs convicted 24-year-old George Peters on Monday of child abuse resulting in the death of Nicholas Johnson. He also was convicted of three counts of child abuse against his own son.
Prosecutors say Peters could face up to 80 years in prison at a sentencing hearing scheduled for Dec. 5.
Prosecutors allege Peters was a heroin addict who used force to quiet Nicholas Johnson's crying while babysitting him in February. An autopsy determined Nicholas suffered brain injuries like those caused by shaking babies.
Defense attorneys had argued Nicholas had an undiagnosed brain condition that made him susceptible to injuries.
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