Columbus Man For Death Of Infant In Hancock County

3/5/19 – 5:03 A.M.

A Columbus man will spend 14 years in prison for killing his infant daughter in Hancock County in 2017. Judge Jonathan Starn sentenced 23-year-old Austin Hammond Monday. Hammond pleaded guilty to an amended charge of involuntary manslaughter stemming from the death of 8-month-old Elaina Hammond in November of 2017. He originally faced a murder charge.

Hammond also pleaded guilty to a tampering with evidence charge. Prosecutor Phil Riegel says his office consulted with law enforcement and health professionals about the agreement before moving forward with the plea deal.

MORE: History of the case.