CHESAPEAKE (AP) -- A Chesapeake woman has entered an Alford plea to a first-degree murder charge in the death of her 5-year-old stepdaughter.
Brandy P. Sawyer entered the plea Friday in Chesapeake Circuit Court. The 22-year-old faces up to life in prison when sentenced Sept. 21. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that the prosecution has enough evidence to convict.
Authorities say Carly Sawyer was confined in a box, tied up, hit with a belt and denied food. Paramedics summoned to the home June 10 found Carly with cuts, bruises and burns on her body and ligature marks on her wrists. She died the next day.
The victim's father, Joshua Sawyer, entered an Alford plea for his role this month. He faces 20 years to life in prison when sentenced on Sept. 13.
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