Dad pleads guilty to 2nd-degree murder in death of 5-month-old daughter (Coon Rapids, Minnesota)

Dad JOSHUA VANHOUTAN was accused of killing the baby while she was in his care.

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_20945102/coon-rapids-father-pleads-guilty-murder-infant-daughter

Coon Rapids: Father pleads guilty in daughter's abuse deathAndy Greder, twincities.com

Posted: 06/26/2012 12:01:00 AM CDT
June 27, 2012 2:33 AM GMT Updated: 06/26/2012 09:33:15 PM CDT

A 26-year-old Coon Rapids father pleaded guilty Monday to a second-degree murder charge in the death of his 5-month-old daughter in 2011, the Anoka County District Court said Tuesday, June 26.

Joshua VanHoutan's daughter was admitted to Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids on May 11, 2011, with bleeding in her brain, which was consistent with being shaken, authorities said.

Despite surgeries to try to ease the pressure in her skull, she died four days later.

Prosecutors allege the girl's injuries were consistent with abuse while in VanHoutan's care.
"This was a horrible crime committed against an innocent child," said Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo.

Sentencing is expected Sept. 12.