Mom pleads to endangering

The mother has agreed to testify against the man accused of killing her son.
YOUNGSTOWN -- April Ford is facing a prison term of one to five years in the death of her infant son, Javonte Covington.
Ford, 25, of Griffith Street, entered a guilty plea in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Monday to a charge of endangering children, a third-degree felony.
Atty. Gina Arnaut, assistant county prosecutor, said her office is recommending a four-year prison sentence and will oppose any attempt by Ford to secure an early release.
Ford's sentencing will be delayed until the case against Terrance Tate, 21, of Hilton Avenue, the man accused of killing Javonte, is concluded, Arnaut said.
Ford has agreed to testify against Tate, who is charged with aggravated murder and faces the death penalty, Arnaut said.
Both he and Ford remain in custody.
Police initially said they were told that Ford and Tate had a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship but Ford described Tate only as a friend.
Javonte, 1, died April 27 from extensive injuries authorities said he suffered in a beating.
Ford at first told authorities that her son was injured in a fall but later said that Tate had beaten the child.
Authorities said Javonte was unresponsive when his mother brought him to St. Elizabeth Health Center April 26. He died in the hospital the next day.
Police reports said the emergency room doctor found bruises on the left side of Javonte's face, the right side of his chest, his shoulders and the middle of his back. He had also suffered brain damage.
Authorities said the child may have suffered a series of beatings over a period of weeks.
Ford also has a daughter who is being cared for by family members, authorities said.