ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)– Two Adams County parents pled guilty to charges in connection to the death of their infant child in what officials say was a tragic death.

Ashley Ackerman, 31, of York, pled guilty Monday to a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a child, and Brian Becker, 37, of York, was convicted on a felony charge of endangering the welfare of a child, Assistant District Attorney Kyle Reuter confirmed.

“This case was a tragedy and one that was fully preventable had his parents properly taken care of their child,” Reuter said in a statement. “While I could not bring back the child, I hope that this verdict does justice in his honor.”

It took the jury around an hour of deliberation before they returned with their verdict for Becker, Reuter said.

State Police in Gettysburg filed the charges in the death of the 10-month-old infant against the parents in September.

Man charged with homicide, wanted in Steelton death investigation

The parents found the child dead after they woke up and went to change the diaper. Ackerman told Troopers that she put the baby to sleep at the edge of the bed and when she woke she saw the child at the top of the bed.

According to the charging documents, drug paraphernalia was observed throughout the room. It was also found that the parents had a history of child welfare reports.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

This Week in Pennsylvania

Results of a blood draw showed Troopers that there were drugs like fentanyl, methadone, and methamphetamine in their system. There were also text messages that State Police saw between the two that mentioned drugs, thefts, and alcohol.

“I want to thank the Pennsylvania State Police for all the hard work they did in this tragic infant death investigation and subsequent prosecution,” Reuter said.

Sentencing for Ackerman is scheduled for April 15 and Becker’s is on June 17 in front of Judge Shawn Wagner.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.