NEWS

Phoenix man gets 25 years in prison for killing girlfriend's 18-month-old daughter

Bailey L Netsch
The Republic | azcentral.com
Larry Works was sentenced for 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to second degree murder.

A Phoenix man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder of his then-girlfriend's 18-month-old daughter was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Friday.

Larry Works III, 22, was originally charged with first-degree murder and child abuse in the death of Jordyn Allyn-Nicole Daniels on Jan. 20, 2014. He reached a plea deal with prosecutors in December.

In announcing the sentence in Maricopa County Superior Court, Judge Michael W. Kemp referenced Works' young age, lack of a prior record and large family support system as working in the defendant's favor. Yet, Jordyn's age and the emotional harm to the victims family were too overwhelming, Kemp said.

"The aggravating factors outweigh the mitigating factors in this case," Kemp said.

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La-Deejah Smith, Jordyn's mother, spoke to the judge through tears and with her father by her side. She spoke of her daughter's "kisses in the morning."

"How can someone say they love you but then take everything from you?" Smith said.

Family and friends of Works spoke on his behalf. They described the love children have for him (he's a father of three), how many of them had used him as a babysitter and, if given the opportunity, still would.

Works spoke before he was sentenced and thanked his family for their support. He also described how he plans to take classes in prison to better himself.

"I'm deeply sorry for your loss," Works said, addressing the Smith family.

Autopsy reports show Jordyn died from trauma to her abdomen, resulting in a lacerated liver that bled out. The case detective said the fatal injury was consistent with trauma from a punch or kick.

Works and Smith took her to a hospital after Smith observed the toddler gasping for air and saw her eyes roll back in her head on Jan. 20, 2014. Jordyn was pronounced dead after arrival.

Works' sentence will include the 745 days he has already served.

"I think it's a fair sentence," said Jason T. Gronski, Works' attorney.