SC man pleads guilty in 17-month-old’s death

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A Richland County man on trial in the 2011 death of a 17-month-old girl has pleaded guilty to homicide by child abuse.

Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s office spokeswoman Nicole Holland said 35-year-old Gaddist entered his plea after prosecutors rested their case Friday. Gaddist was sentenced to 23 years in prison, and will get credit for time served after being jailed since his arrest in May 2011

Prosecutors said Gaddist was taking care of the girl and her brother after their mother went to work. At some point, Gaddist became angry and frustrated and grabbed the little girl around her rib cage and shook her. Prosecutors said he also beat her.

Gaddist originally told investigators that he found the child unconscious. He said he called the child’s mother, who then called 911.