Dewey Man Sentenced To Life In Prison For Death Of Toddler

A Washington County judge sentenced a man to life in prison Wednesday, for the 2012 death of a Dewey toddler.

Last month, Marcus Mitchell was found guilty of first degree murder and three counts of child neglect in the death of 15-month-old Emma Beth Warmberodt. He was also convicted on one count each of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The judge sentenced Mitchell to life in prison with parole, plus a $5,000 fine, and an additional 38 years for the other charges.

Mitchell admitted he hit the little girl on the back, but said she was choking on cereal and he was just trying help.

2/1/2013 Related Story: Jury Finds Dewey Man Guilty Of Murdering Toddler, Recommends Life Sentence

Agents with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation testified in January that they found marijuana and oxycodone in a bedroom shared by Mitchell, his wife Ashley Williamson Mitchell and the toddler, Williamson Mitchell's daughter.

Emergency personnel testified that it was obvious the toddler was dead long before they got there.

Ashley Williamson Mitchell entered a blind plea to child neglect and enabling child abuse in January. Her sentencing is set for April 3.

Mitchell's mother, Juanchelle Fitch, who also lives in the home, waived her jury trial and pleaded guilty last month. Fitch was charged with child neglect and obstructing an officer. After making a deal with the prosecution, she was sentenced to one year in the county jail and 15 years of probation.

2/6/2013 Related Story: Dewey Woman Sentenced For Role In Child's Abuse Death