'As a father I failed him': Stepdad heads to prison for child neglect resulting in 2-year-old's death

A man admitted he failed his toddler stepson leading to the victim’s death. Now, he will spend decades behind bars.

Recently, an Indiana judge sentenced Jacob Wootton to 52-years in prison in connection to the death of his 2-year-old stepson in October 2018, according to Fox 59. He pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent resulting in death and various drug charges.

As a result of his plea, a murder charge was dismissed.

When police spoke to Wootton in 2018, he said he forgot about his stepson while the toddler was in the bath, according to Fox 59. Wootton told investigators he through the child hit his head as Wootton checked on other children in the house.

The victim had multiple bruises, police said. Wootton said he smacked the boy a few times and bit him to try and wake him up, according to Fox 59. Wootton also admitted to waiting 20 minutes to call 911.

The victim died at the hospital a few days later and medical officials said he died from blunt force trauma.

A sibling said Wooten gave the children’s baths but also hit them, according to Fox 59.

The victim’s mom, Alyson Stephen, was away at the time. She was also charged with neglect resulting in death and her case is pending.

At Wootton’s sentencing hearing, Judge Angela Warner Sims called it a sad day no matter the circumstances, according to the Herald Bulletin.

“Today is about justice,” Sims said, the Herald Bulletin reported. “Unfortunately, I’ve seen other cases where a child died at the hands of a parent. They failed in their responsibility.”

Wootton also spoke at his hearing and said there was nothing he could do or say.

“As a father I failed him,” Wootton said, the Herald Bulletin reported. “This is a tragedy, everyone involved has suffered. I miss him dearly.”