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Kansas mother pleads no contest in infant’s death

(AP) — A southeast Kansas woman will be sentenced Sept. 3 after pleading no contest to involuntary manslaughter in the death of her 4-month-old son.

Heather Buckalew  Courtesy KOAM-TV
Heather Buckalew
Courtesy KOAM-TV

Twenty-five-year-old Heather Buckalew of Arma entered the plea Monday in a deal that calls for her to be placed on probation.

Buckalew’s attorney said the plea deal grants her probation. And the state won’t seek a fine.

Prosecutors said they will seek a 60-day jail sentence as part of Buckalew’s probation but the defense can argue for a reduction to 30 days.

Buckalew initially was charged with second-degree murder in the death of Memphis Cash Harvey last August. Court records indicated Buckalew fell asleep after drinking beer. A forensic pathologist ruled the child likely was smothered by his mother while they slept.

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