Mother sentenced to probation in abuse death of son

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A Springfield woman was sentenced to five years' probation for child endangerment in the death of her 18-month-old son.

Jennifer L. Harvey pleaded guilty in April to felony child endangerment after admitting she suspected that her boyfriend had been abusing Gavin Jordan but allowed him to continue caring for the toddler.

Joseph W. Haslett, 26, of Springfield, was sentenced to life in prison on his second-degree murder conviction in the child's death. Authorities said Haslett intentionally suffocated the toddler by placing him in a headlock.

Haslett had been dating Harvey.

Harvey could face up to seven years in prison if she violates probation, assistant Greene County prosecutor Tyson Martin said.

A prisoner who befriended Haslett in jail testified that Haslett said he killed Gavin in revenge because Harvey had an abortion after becoming pregnant with Haslett's child.