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PROVO -- A Provo man was sent to 20 years to life Monday for beating his baby boy two years ago.
Cameron Nielsen had pleaded guilty to aggravated murder for beating his then-6-week-old son to the point of blindness in 2008.
Prosecutors say the abuse continued for several weeks. When the baby finally got medical care, there was little doctors could do for him. He died just a few months later.
"I think justice was served today," said prosecutor Donna Kelly. "It was a horrendous crime, a little baby who suffered for many months before he died."
The baby, Jason Nielsen, was taken to the hospital in May of 2008. Doctors found he suffered skull and rib fractures, injuries to his liver and was left blind.
The boy's father, 24-year-old Cameron Nielsen, allegedly told police he squeezed the child's rib cage and shook him before the baby stopped breathing and he tried to administer CPR but did not call for medical help.
Cameron Nielsen was initially charged with child abuse and attempted murder. But then little Jason -- who had been placed in foster care -- died a few months later as the result of the abuse. That's when the charges were increased to aggravated murder.
• Oct. 23, 2008 - Father could face murder charges now that son has died
• Feb 12, 2010 - Utah County man to stand trial for infant son's murder
• April 2, 2010 - Provo man facing 20 to life in death of infant son
"This was the most vulnerable victim you could have," Kelly said. "Not only is he an infant, he is in the care of the person able to provide him some help and who has a duty to protect him."
Cameron Nielsen was bound over for trial on the charges last year but took a plea deal in April, which gave him the possibility of someday becoming eligible for parole.
Fourth District Judge David Mortensen recommended that Nielsen get credit for 654 days he has spent in jail.
Cameron Nielsen does have an older child, but there was no evidence that son suffered any abuse.
Prosecutors expect Cameron Nielsen will actually serve at least 25 years in prison before having any chance of being released.
E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com
