Man gets 40 years in toddler death

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A jury found a man guilty of murder Thursday in the death of his girlfriend's toddler son in 2011.

Macie Pridgen with the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's Office told WAVY.com Alvin Gatewood was found guilty of second degree murder and child abuse and neglect.

Gatewood is facing a 40-year sentence in prison.

On Nov. 28, 19-month-old Kimauri Williams was taken to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital by his mother, Shaniqua Jones. Kimauri was not breathing and taken to the hospital "casually" by Jones and Gatewood, according to Commonwealth's Attorney Harvey Bryant. The baby was covered in bruises and later pronounced dead.

“As I have to say too often, single mothers need to be very cautious about relying on the non-parent boyfriend to take care of their children,” Bryant said. “Again and again, we have children abused and killed by the ‘boyfriend’. The police can't stop this. Only the mothers and society's condemnation can stop this particular horrible crime against innocent children."

Following an investigation, it was found Gatewood was largely responsible for the child's well-being during the days leading up to his death. Bryant said in the hours leading up to Kimauri's death, the child was vomiting, crying and could not stand up without help.

Jones will face a jury in May 2013 on charges of second degree murder, child abuse or neglect and child endangerment.

Gatewood's prior convictions include assault and battery, contempt of court and failure to appear.