Dad to be sentenced in baby's murder; turns out he pleaded guilty to killing another newborn son in 2002 (Chattanooga, Tennesee)

We've posted on dad MICHAEL POE before, who was convicted of felony murder and aggravated child abuse in the beating death of his infant son back in July. Now we hear that Dad had previously pleaded guilty to killing another infant son back in 2002. When asked if he felt sorry for killing his son, Poe just laughed. Some people are just evil, and Poe is one of them.

http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11079285

Sentencing Hearing For Father Who Beat Baby To Death
Posted: Sep 04, 2009 4:35 PM CDT
Updated: Sep 04, 2009 6:46 PM CDT
Rachel Withers
Eyewitness News Reporter

CHATTANOOGA (WRCB) -- Michael Poe was convicted of felony murder and aggravated child abuse in July.

Poe didn't make eye contact with anyone in the courtroom. He kept his head down and listened as prosecutors explained why he should die in prison.

Right on schedule, deputies escorted Michael Poe inside the Rhea County courthouse for his sentencing hearing. The convicted killer looked very different than he did at his trial, just two months ago. Gone is the dark suit. In its place is a striped jumpsuit and a shaved head.

"I just hope he ends up dying in prison like he deserves," explained Tammy Perkins, Poe's ex-wife and the mother of the baby he murdered.

Prosecutors worked hard to make sure Perkins wish is granted. Friday, they dragged up an old conviction the trial jury wasn't allowed to know about. Poe pleaded guilty to beating his first son, who was just 12 days old, in 2002.

"Even though he doesn't have a lengthy criminal history, the type of criminal history he has is very similar to what he has in this case, and I think that should be given great weight," explained Jim Pope, Asst. District Attorney.

Poe laughed when we asked if he was sorry for killing his son, just minutes after the guilty verdict came down. Prosecutors focused on that lack of remorse in court Friday, saying it's proof he deserves the harshest punishment possible.

Poe's attorney, Larry Roddy told Eyewitness News, "Should he get up there on the stand and say 'I did it, I did it, I'm sorry,' because he can get better consideration? He has a right to persist in his innocence, and it shouldn't be used against him."

The judge did not a make a final decision Friday. He'll issue a written ruling within two weeks. Felony murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison, while aggravated child abuse carries a penalty of 15 to 25 years.

It's up to the judge to determine if Poe will serve those consecutively or concurrently. At the minimum, Poe will spend 51 years in prison before he's eligible for parole.