A two-year-old boy's adoptive father pleaded guilty Friday to felony charges that will put him behind bars for 20 years.
Michael Turner, of Cedar Park, pleaded guilty to second-degree injury to a child and tampering with evidence in connection to the death of Colton Turner.
The circumstances of Colton's death are still unclear, but prosecutors said Michael Turner and the boy's mother, Meagan Work, hid his death and buried him in a shallow grave.
Affidavits show Meagan Work told police a number of stories -- first that Colton had been kidnapped -- then that she had given him away -- and finally that Colton hit his head on an air conditioning unit and died at a motel room.
Authorities found the boy's body in a shallow grave days later in Southeast Austin.
It was later learned that Colton had been dead for months.
On Friday, Colton's grandmother took the stand, calling Michael Turner a heartless and selfish monster.
Meagan Work has not reached any plea deal and her trial is expected to start within months.
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Continuing Coverage:
- Michael Turner Expected To Plead Guilty
- Meagan Work in Court Monday for Pretrial Hearing
- Meagan Work Attends Pretrial Hearing in Colton Turner Case
- Meagan Work Pleads Not Guilty in Toddler Death
- Couple Accused of Burying Toddler’s Body Appears in Court
- Cedar Park Toddler's Death Resonates During Child Abuse Prevention Month
- Supporters of Colton’s Law Rally at Capitol
- CPS: Mother of Colton Turner Gave Birth to New Baby in February
- Friends, Family Remember Colton Turner
- Cedar Park Toddler Colton Turner Laid to Rest Saturday
- Meagan Work, Michael Turner Face More Charges in Toddler’s Death
- Report: CPS Failed Colton Turner; 3 Fired
- Court Dates for Colton Turner's Mother, Her Boyfriend Postponed
- Hundreds Hold Memorial for Cedar Park Toddler's Birthday
- Texas Workers Scrutinized After Cedar Park Toddler's Death
- Colton's 3rd Birthday Balloon Release Sunday Night
- CPS Investigating Past Complaints Against Mother of Dead Cedar Park Toddler
- Affidavit: Mother's Boyfriend Led Police to Cedar Park Toddler's Body
- Community Honors Life of Cedar Park Toddler
- Remains of Cedar Park Toddler Recovered in SE Austin