Man pleads guilty to murder and child abuse in Leland toddler’s death
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Brunswick County man pleaded guilty to beating and killing his girlfriend’s 15-month-old son in 2015.
Albert David Morgan, III, will spend at least 30 years in prison for the death of Brayden Christopher Ray.
Morgan pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and intentional child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury.
According to the district attorney’s office, Morgan was left home alone with Brayden when the child was hurt.
The child was transferred to UNC Hospital for intensive care.
Two days later, Brayden died as a result of his injuries. An autopsy determined the cause of death was attributed to irreversible brain damage.
At the sentencing hearing on Friday, Assistant District Attorney, Jason Minnicozzi, presented a report from Dr. Sharon Cooper, the State’s expert witness.
According to Dr. Cooper’s report, Brayden Ray was killed as a result of an inflicted severe brain injury and was a victim of Battered Child Syndrome.
Angel Ray previously pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact. She will be sentenced either in August or September.
