Man Pleads Guilty To Fatally Beating Toddler, Dumping Her Body
(LOUISVILLE) -- There was a major development Tuesday in the brutal death of a young Louisville girl. Her mom's boyfriend, Shawn Michael Shaw, was supposed to be watching her the toddler, but instead he beat her and hid the body. Shaw pleaded guilty on Tuesday. WAVE 3's David McArthur was there.
At just 18 months old, Kaylynn Gaddie had here whole life ahead of her. Until she was left in the care of Shawn Michael Shaw.
Shaw pleaded guilty Tuesday to beating Kaylynn in the head and face, causing her death. A family member witnessed at least part of the beating in December of 2004.
Shaw was the boyfriend of Kaylynn's mom.
The family says the mother was unaware that Shaw has a long history of trouble with the law, including drug, assault, and domestic abuse charges.
Shaw also admitted removing Kaylynn's clothes, placing her body in a trash bag and dumping it in the Jefferson Memorial Forest.
In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to recommend a 38-year sentence. Along with other charges and previous convictions, Shaw could be sentenced to up to 50 years, meaning Shaw would be 85 before being released if he serves all his time.
The final sentence is up to the judge, who could increase or decrease the amount of time at a formal sentencing hearing set for December 18th.
ANYONE WHO HURTS CHILDREN IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM SHOULD BE AUTOMATICALLY SENTENCED TO DEATHROW.
(LOUISVILLE) -- There was a major development Tuesday in the brutal death of a young Louisville girl. Her mom's boyfriend, Shawn Michael Shaw, was supposed to be watching her the toddler, but instead he beat her and hid the body. Shaw pleaded guilty on Tuesday. WAVE 3's David McArthur was there.
At just 18 months old, Kaylynn Gaddie had here whole life ahead of her. Until she was left in the care of Shawn Michael Shaw.
Shaw pleaded guilty Tuesday to beating Kaylynn in the head and face, causing her death. A family member witnessed at least part of the beating in December of 2004.
Shaw was the boyfriend of Kaylynn's mom.
The family says the mother was unaware that Shaw has a long history of trouble with the law, including drug, assault, and domestic abuse charges.
Shaw also admitted removing Kaylynn's clothes, placing her body in a trash bag and dumping it in the Jefferson Memorial Forest.
In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to recommend a 38-year sentence. Along with other charges and previous convictions, Shaw could be sentenced to up to 50 years, meaning Shaw would be 85 before being released if he serves all his time.
The final sentence is up to the judge, who could increase or decrease the amount of time at a formal sentencing hearing set for December 18th.
ANYONE WHO HURTS CHILDREN IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM SHOULD BE AUTOMATICALLY SENTENCED TO DEATHROW.