FREDERICK, Md. (AP) - A Frederick County man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for fatally beating a 2-year-old boy in his care.
Raymond Matthew Brittle, 40, of Thurmont was sentenced Thursday in Frederick for what the judge called "mind-boggling" abuse, including brushing the child's teeth with a steel barbecue brush.
The judge suspended another 15 years. Brittle must serve five years of supervised probation after his release.
Robert Watkins died in September 2013 from brain injuries. He was put in Brittle's care by his mother, who considered Brittle her stepfather.
Brittle's wife Melissa was sentenced last week to 20 years for allowing the abuse. Both pleaded guilty last year to first-degree child abuse resulting in death.
Brittle didn't speak at his sentencing. His lawyer says he was abused as a child.
