Ex-soldier agrees not to contest conviction in baby's death

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A former Fort Campbell soldier accused of raping and killing his infant daughter has agreed not to contest a conviction for second-degree murder and will serve 15 years in prison without parole, authorities said.

Christopher Paul Conway, 25, entered the plea Friday, shortly before his trial was to begin in Tennessee’s Montgomery County, news outlets reported.

His daughter, Adeline, was found dead on Nov. 14, 2017, with a dehumidifier cord wrapped around her neck. Findings from the autopsy indicated the 8-month-old girl had injuries consistent with being raped and her father was charged.

Prosecutor Kimberly Lund told Clarksville Now that the victim’s family agreed with the plea.

“There will never be a sentence harsh enough to ease the death of a child. Adeline was a beautiful baby whose life was taken far too soon. I hope her sister and family can find peace now that this case has been resolved,” Lund said.

Defense attorney Edward DeWerff told The Leaf Chronicle that he believes a jury would have convicted his client.

“That is an incredibly good settlement for my client,” DeWerff said. “If convicted, he would have got life … 51 calendar years.”