YOUNGSTOWN - A Youngstown man has pleaded guilty and sentenced for the death of his 8-week-old son.

Xavier Richardson pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child endangering on Monday.

He was immediately sentenced to fifteen years in prison by Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge John Durkin.

A charge of murder was dismissed.

In 2019, officers were called to Mercy Hospital to investigate a report that an eight-week-old wasn't breathing, cold to the touch and blue.

They say the child, Xavier Richardson, Jr., had possibly been abused and passed away from his injuries.

Police say Richardson told them that the infant was asleep and was gasping for air.

Richardson's mother told 21 News her son has battled mental health issues for a long time and had refused to get help.