Pocono News Section

Mother Pleads Guilty in Connection with Death of 2-Year-Old

Mother Pleads Guilty in Connection with Death of 2-Year-Old - Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 5:10PM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008 @ 05:10pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- A Hazleton woman pleaded guilty Tuesday morning in connection with the death of her 2-year-old son.

Lillian Torres pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of children in the death of 2-year-old Emanuel Gonzalez. Prosecutors say the child died last December from injuries suffered at the hands of Torres' boyfriend, Alexander Garcia.

They say Garcia was angry at the child because the boy wasn't potty trained and beat the child who died a day later.

Torres' attorney says she's agreed to testify when Garcia eventually stands trial. "The boyfriend unfortunately engaged in a series of conduct which just devastated this family. She's glad to have one more step closer to closure. She's tormented by this I think you maybe saw up there when she was trying to plea she was... she was crying, she was upset. She's just devastated," said John Pike.

Torres will not be sentenced until after Garcia's murder trial. She's free on bail and while she could face up to 17 years in prison it's possible she could be sentenced to time already served.