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Man sent to prison for death of 5-month-old

A Mill Spring was sentenced to more than nine years in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter in the death of 5-month-old Cayden Berryman on March 30, 2015, District Attorney Greg Newman announced

Superior Court Judge Mark Powell sentenced Jeremiah Lee Jackson, who was indicted for second degree murder and agreed to plead to the manslaughter charge.

The child was in Jackson’s care and custody when the incident occurred. The baby was found unresponsive at the family home on Freedom Drive by the mother and EMS was called to render aid. The child was pronounced dead at an area hospital. Jackson had kept the victim and his twin brother alone throughout the day. When questioned, Jackson did not provide reasons or possible explanations as to the baby’s death. Autopsy results show that the cause of death was an acute skull fracture to the back of the child’s head.

Following the autopsy, Jackson was again questioned about the injuries identified by the forensic pathologist. Several versions were provided by the defendant that claimed accidental contact with his knee to the child’s head. The doctor rebutted these accounts and stated that the injury to the child’s head resulted from a strike to a hard flat surface, such as a counter top or floor.

“The defendant stated in open court that he did not immediately call 911 because he panicked. Mr. Jackson has a history of both drug abuse and mental illness issues and was unsuited to watch these children,” Newman said. “The difference between the original charge and the manslaughter charge is whether we could prove that he acted with malice towards the child. I am satisfied that we have achieved a just result. It is significant that Jackson came into court and admitted his guilt. It is a horrible tragedy. I appreciate the good people at the Polk County Department of Social Services and the Guardian Ad Litem office who have supported this family and offered services to them during this difficult time."