A 29-year-old Elkhart man will spend 65 years in prison after beating his son to death.

Franklin Elmore Jr.  pleaded guilty to murder Oct. 9 in a blank plea agreement without stipulations.

Fire crews were called to the family’s home on County Road 22 in Baugo Township the night of Aug. 3 where the 6-year-old was unconscious and not breathing.

Parents initially claimed the child struck himself during a behavioral episode. However, investigators and hospital staff observed widespread injuries, malnourishment, brain bleeding and a punctured lung, which medical experts said could not be self-inflicted.

Elmore and his wife, Cheyenne Elmore, both pleaded guilty to murder. Cheyenne’s sentencing is Jan. 13.