Watch CBS News

Md. Dead Baby's Mom Pleads Guilty To Child Abuse

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- The mother of a 2-month-old girl who was fatally beaten at her home in Brunswick has pleaded guilty to second-degree child abuse for failing to protect her daughter from the girl's father.

Jessica Peavy, 21, entered the plea Tuesday in Frederick.

Frederick County State's Attorney Charlie Smith says the state will seek a one-year jail term, with 14 years suspended, at Peavy's sentencing Oct. 27. He says prosecutors also will ask for supervised probation with drug treatment.

Peavy was charged following the November death of Lexi Zirinsky.

Court records describe multiple injuries, inflicted over a number of weeks.

The girl's father, 26-year-old Jason Zirinksy, was sentenced last week to 30 years in prison for child abuse resulting in the girl's death.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.