Mother, boyfriend plead guilty in toddler's death

GASTON COUNTY, N.C.,None — A Gaston County woman and her boyfriend pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of the woman's 2-year-old daughter.

Addison Lanham, 2, died in July after an untreated infection entered her bloodstream, killing her. The toddler also had a broken leg that went untreated, investigators said.

SLIDESHOW: Photos Of Addison Lanham

Lanham and her boyfriend, Jason Wells, pleaded guilty on Wednesday morning to second-degree murder in the girl's death. Wells also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of babysitting despite being a registered sex offender.

Prosecutor Stephanie Hamlin said Addison lived a difficult life. She said there were signs of physical and sexual abuse, but not enough evidence to file charges. She told the judge Shanna Lanham would not take her daughter to the hospital because she was afraid that police and the Department of Social Services would learn that she was living with Wells, a registered sex offender.

"She was choosing to be with a sex offender rather than getting the child medical attention," Hamlin said.

Hamlin said the toddler's hair was falling out and that she had painful boils on her head. The couple kept the 2-year-old hidden from anyone for a week before she died, prosecutors said.

"We don't know how bad she actually got before her death," Hamlin said.

Addison was alone with Wells on the day she died. Officials said he called Shanna Lanham, packed his bags and left.

"(I) feel regret that I didn't call 911," Wells said in court. "I know I should have, but you can't change the past."

Shanna Lanham apologized in court.

"I just want to say I'm sorry and I loved her very much," she said.

WATCH: Mother's words played part in sentencing in toddler's death

Wells was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Shanna Lanham was sentenced to nine years.

Lanham's attorney said the nine-year sentence does not compare with the pain of losing her daughter.

"The sentence she will serve for the rest of her life is carrying the guilt of realizing she could have done something to change this," defense attorney Gus Anthony said.

More information: NC Sex Offender Registry SC Sex Offender Registry

Previous Stories: July 28, 2011: Family: Concerns Reported To DSS Before Toddler's Death July 28, 2011: Mother Charged In Girl's Death Begs For Help In 911 Call July 27, 2011: Mother, Boyfriend Face Abuse Charges In Toddler's Death July 26, 2011: Police Waiting For Autopsy Results In 2-Year-Old's Death July 22, 2011: Police Investigate Death Of 2-Year-Old Girl

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