Clear Lake Man Pleads Guilty In Smothering Death Of Toddler

ELK RIVER (AP) - A 25-year-old Clear Lake area man has pleaded guilty in Sherburne County to smothering his girlfriend's 16-month-old son.

Dennis Angell entered the plea to felony murder in the November death of the toddler at a home in Santiago Township.

Angell initially told investigators the toddler started choking while in his care, but later admitted he put a pillow on the boy's face. A charge of first-degree manslaughter was dismissed as part of an agreement with prosecutors.

The Ramsey County medical examiner found the probable cause of death was asphyxiation due to smothering.

Angell is being held without bail pending sentencing July 14.

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