Meeker pleads guilty in toddler’s death

A man accused of killing a toddler last year in Jewell pleaded guilty on Wedenesday to second degree murder.

Michael Meeker Jr., 29, of Radcliffe, entered the plea in Hamilton County District Court, according to the Iowa attorney general's office.

Meeker faces up to 50 years in prison. He remains in the Hamilton County Jail. A sentencing date hasn't been set.

He is charged with causing blunt force injuries to the head which killed Tanner Doran, who was 15 months old. Doran, the son of Angela M. Meeker and Michael Doran, was found dead Dec. 1, 2008, at 509 Decker St. in Jewell.

''Meeker admitted in court during his guilty plea today that he lost his temper and repeatedly punched the baby on the baby's head,'' said Bob Brammer, a spokesman for Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller. ''He admitted his actions caused the baby's death.''

Michael Doran called his son a ''boy's boy'' who loved football, trucks and Mickey Mouse.

''He was what parents dream of having,'' he said.

Doran recalled that Angela Meeker had ''terrible, terrible complications'' while she was pregnant with the boy.

''He was born a miracle to Angie and I,'' Michael Doran said. ''He was a gift, like every child, to everyone around him.''

Michael Meeker was initially charged with first degree murder.

The boy's mother still faces criminal charges related to his death.

Angela Meeker is charged with being an accessory after the fact and obstructing prosecution.

In court documents, prosecutors wrote that she knew that ''a public offense had been committed by Michael Meeker Jr. and did harbor or aid Michael Meeker Jr. with the intent to prevent the apprehension of Michael Meeker Jr.''

The documents also state that on April 16, she knowingly gave false information that would be used by prosecutors.

She was originally charged with child endangerment resulting in death, but prosecutors dropped that charge earlier this month.

Angela Meeker was released from the Hamilton County Jail on Oct. 15 with supervison from the Iowa Department of Corrections. Her arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 2.

Michael and Angela Meeker got married after the boy's death.

Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net