Instead of a 2nd trial for a Hutchinson woman charged with 2nd degree murder, she entered a plea instead. Brigit Hippen was before District Judge Trish Rose this morning where she entered a no contest plea to involuntary manslaughter as part of an agreement with the state.

She had faced trial in association with the death of her 2-month old child. The state had argued that Hippen was reckless when she placed a blow dryer on a counter near the crib her child was sleeping in, because of concern for the child being to cold. The child died from hyperthermia as a result, which occurred back on February 23 of 2010.

With the plea, today she faces sentencing during a special setting on February 24, at 3 p-m. She faces a sentencing range of 31-to-136 months in prison depending on her criminal history. If she has no other felony convictions, which appears to be the case, the conviction would fall in what is called a border box, meaning Judge Rose would have the option at sentencing of ordering prison time, or some form of probation. Assistant District Attorney Cheryl Allen telling the judge that the state would let the defense make a recommendation as to sentencing and the state would not oppose or support. They would remain quiet during the penalty phase.

But, keep in mind, Hippen still faces trial for another case where she is charged with felony criminal damage to property and misdemeanor battery in a separate incident. The trial in that case is tentatively set for February 28.

This case has to do with an incident which occurred back on May 29, of last year, when she allegedly punched another woman in the face for dancing with her boyfriend, Oscar Perez. The victim in the case, Desire Jenson had a retainer in her mouth and the evidence showed that the broken teeth were actually attached to the retainer. However, there was some bleeding in her mouth leading to the probable cause finding for the misdemeanor battery. Hippen also allegedly caused damage to the victims vehicle, including damage to her windshield, and the hood.

Again, sentencing for the involuntary manslaughter conviction is on February 24.