Man pleads guilty to killing his 15-month-old nephew

January 12, 2009 at 4:54p.m.

LISBON — An East Palestine man faces up to nine years in prison for the beating death of his 15-month-old nephew.

Joshua M. Courtney, 22, pleaded guilty today in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court to felony charges of involuntary manslaughter and endangering children.

Police accused him of causing serious harm to and causing the death of Landon Courtney on Dec. 16, 2007, in East Palestine.

Tim McNicol, the assistant county prosecutor who handles child abuse cases, said the victim was Courtney’s nephew.

McNicol said the child had injuries consistent with being shaken violently and blunt force trauma to the head. McNicol said the child’s head had been struck many times.

For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com