Father sentenced for daughter's death

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A Norfolk father was sentenced after being charged with the death of his 5-month-old daughter in November 2010.

Darrell Marvin Brown Jr. pleaded guilty via an Alford plea to the murder of his daughter on Feb 29, 2012.

Under an Alford plea the defendant does not admit guilt, but acknowledges there is sufficient evidence to prove the charges.

Brown was charged with one count of felony homicide and one count felony child abuse/neglect following the death of 5-month-old Asia Brown.

Brown received 20 years for the homicide charge. A five-year sentence for the child abuse charge was suspended.

In Nov. 2010, Norfolk Fire and Rescue crews were called to the 300 block of Fort Worth Avenue after Asia began having difficulty breathing. She was transported to CHKD where she was admitted in serious condition.

Asia was medically evaluated, and it was determined that she may have been shaken. She died from her injuries a few days later.

Brown will be sentenced June 1.