Johnathan Walker:South Dakota man sentenced to nearly 90 years in prison for his baby son’s 2021 death

SIOUX FALLS,Johnathan Walker S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota judge on Friday sentenced a Sioux Falls man to nearly 90 years in prison in connection with the 2021 death of his baby son.

Second Circuit Court Judge Camela Theeler sentenced 24-year-old Dylan Castimore to 100 years with 10 years suspended and credit for over two years in jail, after he pleaded guilty in February to first-degree manslaughter and abuse or cruelty to a minor, the Argus Leader reported. The judge did not sentence him on the abuse charge.

Castimore also may not have contact with his son’s mother, family or any children younger than 10 during his prison term.

“No matter what my sentence, I still have to live with myself,” he said in court.

Eight-week-old Daxton Castimore died Nov. 27, 2021. An autopsy found his death was due to a skull fracture, with a lacerated liver a contributing factor in his death. He also had other injuries, including broken ribs, according to court documents.

Dylan Castimore initially faced murder and manslaughter charges and the potential of the death penalty in the case.