Smith Pleads Guilty in Connection with Toddler Death

A man charged in connection with the death of a Zanesville three-year-old pled guilty Monday in court.

Lionel Smith pled guilty to one count of felony attempted child endangering, one count of misdemeanor child endangering and one count of failure to report a death or crime.

Smith was the boyfriend of three-year-old Kadence Prince’s mother Kristen. Kadence was found dead October 31, 2007 in her Forest Avenue home. In September, her mother pled guilty to the involuntary manslaughter of the child, admitting she punched her in the stomach. Prosecutors recommended a 10-year-sentence for Prince.

At Monday’s hearing Assistant  Prosecutor Ron Welch says they recommended Smith serve two years, which is the maximum time for the charges.