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Hammond man gets more than 29 years in 3-month-old son’s death

CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) – A Hammond man has been sentenced to more than 29 years in prison in the death of his 3-month-old son.

The (Munster) Times reports that Lake County Judge Salvador Vasquez sentenced 32-year-old Cesar A. Castaneda Sr. Wednesday. The judge told Castaneda that he didn’t think the father intentionally killed his son but that his actions lead to the baby’s death. Vasquez said Castaneda failed in his obligation to a sick child.

A jury found Castaneda guilty last month of reckless homicide, battery and neglect. He was acquitted of murder. The baby died in 2012 at a South Bend hospital.

Castaneda’s defense attorney argued that Castaneda shook his son to keep the baby from choking on his own vomit. Prosecutors argued that the baby’s injuries showed a violent attack.