Stay on top of breaking news!
Sign up for abc27 News e-mail alerts.
Erie, Pa. (AP) - An Erie-area man will spend four to eight years in state prison for severely assaulting his ex-girlfriend's toddler despite a letter requesting leniency from ex-Gov. Tom Ridge.
Ridge says in the letter that he is a neighbor of 21-year-old Matthew Lazenby, who lives with his parents in Millcreek Township. Ridge says in the letter that Lazenby is a "loving and nurturing father" despite his crime.
An Erie County judge sentenced Lazenby Tuesday. He had previously pleaded guilty to shaking and striking the 23-month-old toddler last Halloween, fracturing her skull and causing neurological damage.
The victim is not Lazenby's biological child. He has a 2½-year-old daughter.
Lazenby acknowledged problems with alcohol and anger management. His attorney argued for a three-year sentence.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Email To Friend
abc27 News to leave comments on news stories.