A Cass County man will serve up to 15 years in prison for killing a child by shaking her.

Lance Reeves pleaded no contest Monday as part of his plea deal.

Reeves was accused of violently shaking the 2 year-old child in 2016 and severing her spine, killing her. He did not admit his guilt but conceded to charges of second-degree child abuse and manslaughter.

A Michigan State Police Investigator testified in court to the severity of the child’s injuries, which were unusual and required study, delaying the court case. Reeves had originally been charged with open murder, and two other child abuse charges.

He faces sentencing on October 4.