By Sara Diamond
Anchor / Medical Reporter / WJHL
Published: November 2, 2009

We received word today that Shawn Anthony Mullins pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder in the death of his girlfriend’s 2 year old son, Christopher.  Mullins will serve 30 years in prison with no possibility of parole.  When we first reported on this case, investigators told us little Christopher David Smith died in March 2005 after suffering repeated violent abuse.

You don’t need to be a parent to feel your stomach turn when you hear stories like this.  Any human being would have that sick feeling. 

I hate that we have to report on stories like this.  I hate that there are people in this world who prey on children.  If we can glean any kind of lesson from stories like this, its to be vigilant with our own children or loved ones or neighbors or strangers.  If you notice anything out of the ordinary about your neighbor’s child, or a child in Sunday School, TELL SOMEONE.  REPORT IT.  It could be the difference between life and death for a child.