Jason Lee Jones, 33, pleaded guilty Friday in Leavenworth County District Court to one count of second degree murder and one count of abuse of a child.

The boy died from blunt force trauma Oct. 4, 2009 while the child’s mother, was away from the home and left him in the care of Jones, who was her live-in fiancé at the time.

Jones’ attorney, Carl Cornwell, and the state, represented by John Bryant and Cheryl Marquardt, jointly recommended a 30-year prison sentence to the court to avoid a life sentence and to keep Jones’ 11-year-old son, who was present when the 4-year-old died, from testifying.

Judge Gunnar Sundby ordered Friday further investigation needed to be completed before ruling on Jones’ sentence. Sentencing for Jones is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. June 18.

The mother has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of her son.