CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (AP) — A jury has convicted a West Virginia man in the death of his 5-year-old nephew.
The Harrison County jury deliberated for about 25 minutes Wednesday before finding Peter James Wodzinski Jr. guilty of death of a child by parent, guardian or custodian by knowingly allowing child abuse, news outlets reported.
He was charged in the 2020 death of Keaton Michael Elliott Boggs, who was living with Wodzinski, his wife, Chastity, and his mother-in-law, Michelle Boggs.
Chastity Wodzinski and Michelle Boggs, who was Keaton’s legal guardian, have trials set for later in March and April.
Police were called when the boy was taken to a hospital in Morgantown suffering from head trauma, numerous bruises and a laceration on his genital region.
Prosecutors said text messages clearly indicated all three defendants were aware before Keaton’s death that he was being abused.
Defense attorney Jason Glass said the state failed to prove who struck the fatal blow and did not show that Wodzinski knew.
Wodzinski faces a possible sentence of life in prison when he is sentenced.
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