A Winchester man has pleaded guilty to the murder of his 10-year-old daughter in 2007.
Patrick Watkins pleaded guilty Wednesday morning in Clark County. He pleaded guilty to first degree murder and wanton murder, and was sentenced to 39 years.
Patrick Watkins was indicted in 2007 with his wife, Joy Watkins, for the murder of Patrick's daughter, Michaela. She was found dead in her father and stepmother's apartment in March 2007.
According to the coroner, Michaela suffered seven rib fractures and was hit with an object swung at a high velocity. She also had severe burns on the backs of her legs.
Patrick and Joy Watkins had claimed Michaela suffered the injuries from falling while getting out of the bathtub.
