Grandmother Sentenced to Nearly 30 Years for Death of 6-Year-Old Grandson

The grandmother of a 6-year-old boy whose body was found near a Dallas-area pond last year has pleaded guilty to murder after being accused of abandoning the child.

Darlene Phillips was sentenced to 28 years in prison Wednesday as part of a plea deal with Collin County prosecutors. The 64-year-old woman faced up to life in prison.

The Dallas Morning News reports that defense attorney Marc Fratter said his goal was to make sure Phillips didn't spend the rest of her life in prison.

Authorities have said the boy, Gerren Isgrigg, had significant medical needs, and Phillips was his primary caregiver after the child's mother left him with Phillips. Autopsy results concluded the boy died from lack of medical attention and exposure.

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Information provided by the Associated Press