North Valley man accused of killing his 9-month-old son avoids second trial

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Gustine father, who was recently found not guilty of killing his son, avoids a second trial that could have landed him life in prison.

Andrew Sanchez pleaded no contest to child endangerment and involuntary manslaughter charges in the case of nine-month-old Maddix Ramsour.

Defense Attorney Stephanie Jamieson said the plea deal means Sanchez will walk free in January.

"This plea deal was just a reduction of risk, this was not an admission of guilt, and lets Andrew maintain his innocence all the way to the end, and I firmly believe that he did not do anything wrong."

Sanchez was arrested in 2015, and accused of killing Ramsour. He told investigators that his son rolled off the bed at his Gustine home, causing head injuries. He was found not guilty for the murder charges, but the jury couldn't come to an agreement on the other charges.

"And seven of those 12 jurors still think he wasn't guilty of those remaining counts-- I think that speaks volumes," said Jamieson.

"He's never given an explanation for what happened, so we believe he's responsible for the child's death," said Harold Knutt, Chief Deputy DA.

Prosecutors said they knew the case would be difficult from the beginning because there were no witnesses. Attorneys said despite their beliefs, this plea deal gives the families some closure.

"I would've liked to have seen him do more time, but this was a deposition that puts the whole matter to rest," said Knutt.

Defense attorneys say Sanchez is expected to be released from custody on January 18th.

Attorney's said after Sanchez is released; he will be under a standard parole period for at least three years.