Man seeks guilty plea in murder case
Dec. 25—MANKATO — The father of a baby who died in Mankato in 2021 is seeking a guilty plea on a murder charge, according to court records.
Kristopher Dale Arlando Henderson, 41, faced second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, assault and three malicious punishment of a child charges in Blue Earth County District Court dating back to September 2021 after being accused of causing fatal injuries in his 2-month-old daughter. He'd have all but the murder charge — second-degree indicates no intent — dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Henderson is seeking an Alford plea, meaning he'd maintain his innocence but acknowledge a conviction would be likely if the case went to trial.
Under his plea agreement, he could face a 15-year sentence in prison. Prosecutors would withdraw an attempt to seek an aggravated sentence.
The baby was hospitalized on Sept. 23, 2021 and died on Nov. 3 after sustaining bleeding in her brain, broken ribs and broken bones in both legs, according to a criminal complaint. Police said Henderson was alone caring for the baby when the injuries occurred.
He reportedly blamed a cat for the injuries before admitting to hitting the baby, according to the complaint.
Henderson was previously convicted in an assault case in 2019 involving a dispute over utility payments with a roommate. The sentence in the murder case would be served concurrently with the assault conviction.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 4.
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