BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- The U.S. Navy says a sailor from Michigan who was serving in Japan has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for killing his infant daughter by hitting her chest.
The Navy confirmed in a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday that Seaman Lequae Caldwell of Benton Harbor, Mich., received the sentence Feb. 16 during a court martial proceeding at his naval base in Yokosuka.
A Navy official was checking Wednesday with a military lawyer for Caldwell to find out whether he would comment on the case.
The 23-year-old Caldwell pleaded guilty to a murder charge in the Jan. 5, 2011, death of his 5-month-old daughter, Aviana. He also received a dishonorable discharge, a reduction in grade and forfeiture of all pay as part of his plea.
AP