Mo. woman gets probation in infant's death

IRONTON, Mo. -- A Missouri woman has been sentenced to five years of probation in an infant's 2009 death at her home babysitting business.

A judge suspended a seven-year prison sentence for Martha Farris, meaning the Pilot Knob, Mo., woman will not have to spend time behind bars or have a record in the case if she completes probation.

Farris entered an Alford plea in February to first-degree involuntary manslaughter in 3-month-old Sam Pratt's death. The plea is not an admission of guilt, but acknowledges prosecutors have sufficient evidence for a conviction.

Attorney General Chris Koster said Farris told investigators she swung the baby, "plunked" him down hard on a couch and elbowed him in the head.

The case prompted legislation limiting Missouri child care centers from operating while charges are pending.