Watch CBS News

Man Gets 16-25 Years For Choking Stepson

MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ/AP) - A Warren man who told police the devil instructed him to choke his young stepson has been sentenced to 16 to 25 years in prison.

Macomb County Circuit Judge Mary Chrzanowski ordered 36-year-old Randall Caballero to serve 200 to 300 months. The Macomb Daily reports Caballero will receive 433 days of credit for time served.

During Wednesday's sentencing hearing in Mount Clemens, Caballero said he was "very sorry for what happened."

The victim's biological father Oscar Brummitt, who has joint custody of the boy, scolded Caballero from about 10 feet away in the courtroom.

"I wanted to look you in the eye and remind you that where you're headed, there's a special place for abusers and no one will have sympathy for you in the slightest," said Brummitt.

Caballero was convicted in January of attempted murder and child abuse by a jury that rejected an insanity defense.

Authorities say Caballero attempted to choke the 3-year-old boy in December 2010, then told neighbors he'd killed the child. Police found the boy crying along the street.

Defense lawyer Kendall Sailler says his client has been diagnosed as bipolar.

TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.