SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) -- The father of young Rykelan Brown is now facing up to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty today to beating the boy so badly, the 4-year-old died.

Joshua Emmons pleaded guilty to a charge of First-Degree Manslaughter. He was facing a murder charge for Ryelan's death in May of 2024, just two months after being awarded custody of the boy.

An investigation done by the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office found Rykelan's death was not the first time he suffered abuse at the hands of Emmons, as prosecutors told when they brought charges.

"There's indication through the investigation that some of his injuries sustained outside of the fatal injuries were a result of excessive corporal punishment," said Onondaga County assistant district attorney Jarrett Wo

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