Dad cops plea bargain in rape-murder of his 14-month-old daughter; will serve just 4 YEARS in prison (Athens, Tennessee)

Dad MITCHELL DELASHMITT has pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and child neglect in the rape and murder of his 14-month-old daughter. He was sentenced to time served--just 4 STINKING YEARS. Is that all this baby was worth? Disgusting. Talk about getting away with murder....

http://www.waaytv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12471316

Plea bargain reached in Athens rape-murder case

Associated Press - May 12, 2010 5:12 PM ET

ATHENS, Tenn. (AP) - An East Tennessee man charged in the rape and murder of his 14-month-old daughter pleaded guilty Wednesday to lesser charges and was sentenced to time served.

Mitchell Delashmitt pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and child neglect, and was sentenced to time served - some four years.

According to The Daily Post-Athenian, a plea bargain was reached Wednesday morning before a jury was chosen.

Delashmitt was arrested in June 2003 after the body of his daughter, Angel, was found in a pond at his home in McMinn County. Delashmitt originally told officers she wandered away when he fell asleep while baby-sitting. He later gave another statement that led to the charges.

Prosecutors said they decided to proceed with the plea agreement over concerns about the competency of Dr. Ronald Toolsie, who conducted the autopsy on the girl. It concluded she died of shaken baby syndrome.