CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C.,None — A family is torn over the sentencing of a Shelby woman.
Kathy Swafford accepted a plea deal Thursday and was sent to prison for the death of her 2-year-old son, Jeremiah Swafford.
Kathy Swafford's mother, who is also named Kathy Swafford, wore a T-shirt with her 2-year-old grandson's picture on it at Thursday's court hearing.
"I lost them both," she said. "I lost my first child and my first grandbaby."
Her daughter cried and a said a final goodbye to her family in the Cleveland County courtroom where she entered an Alford plea. The plea means she pleaded guilty to her son's murder and abuse, but she did not admit guilt.
Earlier this year, witnesses took the stand and testified. They said they heard the younger Kathy Swafford admit to killing Jeremiah, who died from a blow to the head.
"She said she picked Jeremiah up out of this seat and slammed his head on the wooden part of the couch," said Jeanette Bonner, who testified against Swafford in January.
On Thursday, Jeremiah's grandmother told Eyewitness News someone else was guilty of Jeremiah's death.
"I feel like the man that is responsible for his death is dead and gone now," said the elder Kathy Swafford.
She was referring toher daughter's husband, Dwight Justice. About two months ago, a jury found him guilty of abusing his stepson, but he died before sentencing.
Cindy Cochran, Swafford's aunt, said Thursday's sentence was justice for the little boy who couldn't protect himself.
"I had a feeling she had some kind of hand in it. She knew something, and I thought she was just as guilty," said Cochran.
The younger Kathy Swafford's plea deal will send her to prison for 15 years.
WSOC
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