PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) A southeast Kansas woman will be sentenced Sept. 3 after pleading no contest to involuntary manslaughter in the death of her 4-month-old son.
Heather Buckalew, 25, of Arma entered the plea Monday in a deal that calls for her to be placed on probation.
Buckalew’s attorney said the plea deal grants her probation. And the state won’t seek a fine.
The Joplin Globe reports prosecutors said they will seek a 60-day jail sentence as part of Buckalew’s probation but the defense can argue for a reduction to 30 days.
Buckalew initially was charged with second-degree murder in the death of Memphis Cash Harvey last August. Court records indicated Buckalew fell asleep after drinking beer. A forensic pathologist ruled the child likely was smothered by his mother while they slept.
