Dewey Man Told Investigators He Accidentally Caused Toddler's Death

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported that Marcus Mitchell had taken the stand and testified. The jury actually heard a tape of an interview of Mitchell conducted by investigators.

The jury considering the fate of a man charged with the death of a 15-month-old Dewey toddler heard him admit he caused her death, saying it was an accident.

The jury heard a tape of an interview investigators conducted of Marcus Mitchell. On it he admitted to hitting Emma Beth Warmberodt in February 2012, saying he hit her on the back to dislodge some cereal.

Mitchell is charged with first degree murder.

Emma's mother, Ashley Williamson Mitchell, entered a blind plea January 25, 2013 to child neglect and enabling child abuse. Her sentencing is set for April 3, 2013.

Mitchell's mother, Juanchelle Fitch, testified Thursday morning. For her cooperation in the trial, her charge of accessory after the fact will be reduced to a misdemeanor charge of obstructing justice. A charge of enabling child abuse will be dropped, and she will receive a very long probation for the child neglect charge.

The trial is expected to wrap up Friday.

1/30/2013 Related Story: Trial Begins For Dewey Man Charged With Murdering Toddler