A district court judge has sentenced a Mills County man to as much as 50-years in prison for the death of 13-month old. The Daily NonPareil says 23-year old Colby Puckett, of Pacific Junction, received his sentence today (Monday), in connection with the Feb. 2012 death of Aliyanna Lenae May. Pucket had earlier pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. He must serve at least 35-years in prison before he is eligible for parole. The court also ordered Puckett to pay more than $9,000 in restitution to the victim’s family, and $150,000 in restitution to the state.

Court records indicate Puckett was baby-sitting the 13-month-old girl and two of her siblings, ages 3 and 2, while their mother was taking a college class. Puckett – who was dating the baby’s mother – told a Mills County Sheriff’s Office deputy that he had placed Aliyanna on a bed and she fell off. She died the next day.

Doctors found extensive injuries to her eyes and brain, which they said was more consistent with abuse, and not a fall. The Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy, which determined Aliyanna had died as a result of the head injuries. Her death was ruled a homicide.

Authorities arrested Puckett on Feb. 8th, 2012.