Pocono News Section

Surprise Guilty Plea in Monroe County

Surprise Guilty Plea in Monroe County - Monday, December 8, 2008 at 4:11PM EST

STROUDSBURG - An East Stroudsburg man accused of murdering one of his children and brutally beating another will remain behind bars for decades. He pled guilty to his crimes Monday morning.

Mckinley Warren will spend between 25 and 50 years behind bars. He'll be almost 70 by the time he is eligible for parole. This ends a story that's been eight years in the making.

For eight years Mckinley Warren denied beating his daughter to death. Jessica Bock was two and a half years old.

On his way into his trial Monday Eyewitness News asked him who killed Jessica. He said, "You'll find out in court."

And reporters did find out in court. But not the way many expected. Just as opening statements were about to begin, he pled guilty to murder.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Rakaczewski said he was, "A little bit surprised. We were ready to go to trail on this case."

Warren's attorney Jim Swetz said, "This morning after having discussions with Mister Warren for a substantial period of time, including throughout the weekend, he indicated his desire to have the matter put behind him."

Warren also pled guilty to brutally beating his three year old son Isaiah in 2007. "He was bruised head to toe from what I believed to be beatings on a near daily basis," said Stroud Area Regional Police Captain William Parrish.

"We're happy with the result because in the end we think justice was served and that's the main goal," said Rakaczewski.

While Warren will now spend at least 25 years behind bars, his attorney placed some blame on Monroe County Children and Youth. He said the organization allowed Warren to keep children even after they allegedly found signs of abuse in his home.

Swetz said, "The system failed. There's no question about that. The Monroe County Children and Youth Agency should look itself in the mirror on this one."

Children and Youth's Director responded, "My professional colleagues and I find Mr . Swetz statement to be self serving and insulting. Mr. Warren pleaded guilty to murder of his daughter and brutal physical abuse of his son. If Mr. Swetz felt that someone other than Mister Warren was responsible for these crimes he should have advised him to stand trial."