Henderson man convicted in toddler’s death
A 26-year-old Henderson man was found guilty Friday of second-degree murder and child neglect for the April 2010 slaying of his girlfriend’s 16-month-old daughter.
A jury returned the verdict against Cody Geddings after deliberating for about two days. Prosecutors had charged Geddings with first-degree murder.
Geddings faces a sentence of 10 years to life in prison for the two counts. A sentencing hearing was set for April 17 before Clark County District Judge Doug Herndon.
Geddings, who has a history of child abuse, initially said Addison Weast fell from her crib, causing the fatal injuries.
He later changed his story and said the girl was playing around his welding equipment, which included a 145-pound tank sitting on an unstable chair. Geddings told authorities the tank fell on the girl, causing head injuries. Geddings was baby-sitting the girl at the time.
Authorities said Weast suffered from shaken baby syndrome, which is a severe head injury.
Prosecutor Michael Staudaher said he was pleased the jury agreed that Geddings "hurt that child and needed to be held accountable."
Public Defender Norm Reed said he was pleased the jury didn’t return a first-degree murder conviction, which would have carried a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.
