Shane Campbell pleaded guilty to the charges of first-degree murder and child abuse and was sentenced to 36 years in prison, according to court documentsPhoto: Staunton Police Department/WHSV3
A Staunton man has been sentenced to 36 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder and child abuse, according to court records.
Shane Campbell was arrested by the Staunton Police Department in August 2024 following an investigation into the assault of a young child. The child was later transported to UVA Medical Center, where they died from their injuries, prompting prosecutors to elevate the case to a homicide.
Campbell appeared in Staunton Circuit Court on December 12, where he initially faced six felony charges. Prosecutors ultimately dismissed four of those counts, including second-degree murder, malicious wounding, felony homicide, and child abuse with disregard for life.
As part of a plea agreement, Campbell pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in serious injury. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison for the murder charge, with 24 years suspended, leaving 36 years to serve. The court also ordered him to pay $898 in court costs.
On the child abuse conviction, Campbell received a 10-year sentence that was fully suspended. He will be required to serve five years of supervised probation following his release from prison.
SOURCE: WHSV3
