SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan man who says he strangled his fiancé’s 10-month-old daughter until the child stopped crying has pleaded guilty but mentally ill to second-degree murder.
Michael Lask told a Saginaw County judge on Monday that he strangled 10-month-old Ciana Leigh McCliggott with knowledge that his actions could injure her.
The Saginaw News reports that as part of the plea agreement the 29-year-old will get a minimum sentence not to exceed 22 years and six months in prison. The maximum possible penalty for second-degree murder is life in prison with the chance of parole.
Lask will get treatment while in prison.
McCliggott was strangled in March 2016 at a motel in Saginaw County’s Thomas Township. Lask says he was temporarily living with his fiancé and several children at the motel.
