SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — 35-year-old Shawn Delancey was charged with murder, manslaughter, and child abuse in the death of the little boy in March of 2023.
Today, Delancey agreed to a plea deal in a Davison County courtroom. He pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree manslaughter and child abuse. A murder charge was dropped.
In March 2023, at his home in Mt. Vernon, Delancey was babysitting 3-year-old Mahlon Pollard, also known as May.
According to court documents Delancey said the child was upset, and he first attempted to calm him down with a bath. During the bath, Delancey told investigators Mahlon was flailing around. He admits he became frustrated, yelled at Mahlon to calm down, grabbed him by the upper chest and shook him violently.
Court documents say the boy later became unresponsive. Today in court it was revealed he died as a result of a traumatic brain injury.
Judge Chris Giles asked Delancey if he understood that the plea deal meant he would forgo a jury trial. Delancey told the judge he understood. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the maximum sentence Delancey will face is 15 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6th.
The judge ordered a pre-sentencing report, which will allow for input from the victim’s family.
It will also include background information on Delancy and character witnesses on his behalf.
