SALINA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man whose young son was found dead in a bathtub last year has pleaded no contest in the boy’s death.
Michael Ray Hatfield
In a plea agreement filed last week, 44-year-old Michael Ray Hatfield of Salina agreed to plead no contest to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of aggravated endangering of a child. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 22.
The charges stem from the May 2017 death of Hatfield’s 10-month-old son, Waylon Hatfield.
Hatfield was originally charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child endangerment, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
An older brother found the child face down in a bathtub filled with water and paramedics could not revive him.
Drugs and drug paraphernalia were found in the home.