CHILD'S MURDER Guilty plea follows trial's start

The defendant was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A city man accused of killing a 4-year-old boy in his care chose to plead guilty to the murder charge after listening to several hours of testimony.
Michael Ledger, who earlier Monday refused to accept a plea bargain agreement offered by prosecutors, changed his mind after testimony from several prosecution witnesses.
"The evidence being released at trial seemed too heavy to be moved by anything the defense would offer," said Ledger's attorney, Reginald Maxton of Cleveland. He added that the trial was also very difficult for his client.
"It was difficult for him to see and hear the evidence," said Maxton.
Refused offer
Chuck Morrow and Tom Wrenn, assistant Trumbull County prosecutors, offered Ledger a plea agreement early Monday that would have canceled his trial. Ledger, however, refused as the trial began in the courtroom of Judge John Stuard.
About five hours later, Ledger agreed to the deal. In exchange for Ledger's guilty plea to a murder charge, prosecutors would send a recommendation to the state parole board that Ledger be released from prison after serving 15 years.
Ledger was sentenced to 15 years to life for the Jan. 18, 2003, murder of Logan Guiton.
"I'm so sorry. People think I'm a bad man. I am so truly sorry. I regret it," Ledger said as he began sobbing. "If I could, I would trade places with him. I'm so sorry, forgive me."
Ledger, who has been held in the county jail on $1 million bond since his arrest, will be taken to the Lorain Correctional Institution as soon as possible to begin serving his sentence.
Legal guardian
Police said Logan died Jan. 20 of a severe head injury. Ledger was Logan's legal guardian.
Police said Ledger, who has three other children, including Logan's 6-year-old brother, called 911 around 4:20 a.m. Jan. 18 to say Logan was not breathing.
In a recording of the call, Ledger can be heard telling the dispatcher the boy had been "bad."
During opening arguments, Morrow told the judge of the severe head injuries. "Police performed a search and found in the bedroom that the drywall had been shattered and it had been shattered with Logan's head," he said.
Maxton, however, said as soon as his client realized the boy was hurt he called for help. He added that Ledger was trying to raise two young boys with no parental training and no assistance.
"He did love this boy," Maxton said.
sinkovich@vindy.com