Man Gets Life Term in Killing of Stepson, 2

A man convicted of murdering his 2-year-old stepson by plunging him headfirst into a toilet was sentenced Friday to life in prison because a death sentence probably would be overturned, a judge said.

Thomas Coe, 23, must serve 25 years before being eligible for parole. He was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse in the death of Bradley McGee in an emotional case that brought changes in state law and the prosecution of several social workers.

Circuit Judge Randall McDonald said that only twice in Florida have men been sentenced to death for killing their children during abuse, and both sentences were overturned on appeal.

“Since neither the case law nor the state has given the court any reasons to overrule the jury’s decision in this matter, the court has no choice but to follow the jury’s recommendation for life,” McDonald said.

The judge received about 40 letters and petitions urging him to send Coe to the electric chair and was not bound by the jury’s recommendation.

Bradley died of massive head injuries on July 28, 1989, two months after he was ordered returned from state foster care to his stepfather and his mother, Sheryl McGee Coe.

During his trial, Coe testified that he was “out of control” when he slammed Bradley into the toilet because the child had soiled his pants.

Sheryl Coe, 21, earlier pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and aggravated child abuse in her son’s death and is serving a 30-year prison term.

Four state social department workers were charged because of their handling of Bradley’s case. Three were cleared, but Bradley’s main caseworker, Margaret Barber, was convicted of child abuse for disregarding a psychological report that described the Coes as unfit parents. She was sentenced to three years of probation.

In response to the death, the Legislature rewrote child welfare laws to put the child’s safety above the goal of keeping families together, and it allocated $79 million for more child-protection workers.