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Man pleads guilty to putting vodka in boy's IV

Published  October 29, 2015 9:51am PDT
Associated Press

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont man has pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge after prosecutors say vodka he poured into the feeding bag of his girlfriend's severely disabled child killed the boy.

Walter Richters entered the plea Wednesday in a St. Johnsbury courtroom as part of a deal with prosecutors.

Police say the 38-year-old Richters poured vodka into the feeding tube of his girlfriend's 13-year-old son in August 2014 after he was "being fussy." Richters said he poured the vodka with the consent of the mother, Melissa Robitille (Roh-buh-TYE'), also 38.

Prosecutors say the boy was blind, had no ears, a cleft palette and developmental delays.

The plea agreement calls for Richters to serve a minimum of three years in prison and testify against Robitille. She faces a charge of second degree murder.