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Ex-soldier innocent in death of 2-month-old
Posted: 10.03.2011 at 4:53 PM
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George Peters  / FOX21: file photo
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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- A former Fort Carson soldier accused of shaking a baby to death was found not guilty of first degree murder Monday, though he will face significant prison time after being found guilty of four counts of child abuse.

George Peters was arrested Feb. 20 for the Feb. 10 abuse of 2-month-old Nicholas Johnson, who he was babysitting. Officers responded to the 3900 block of Patrick Drive after getting a call about an unconscious infant. The baby was taken off life support Feb. 19.

According to an arrest affidavit, Peters admitted to bouncing and even shaking Johnson at times because he was tired of hearing the baby cry.

Peters said Johnson stopped breathing while he was bouncing him up and down.

Peters has his own child, Gabriel, who is the same age as Johnson would have been. When a neighbor offered to watch Gabriel when Peters went to the hospital with Johnson, the neighbor changed Gabriel's diaper and noticed Gabriel had bruises on her thighs, lower back and butt.

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Peters later admitted to smacking Gabriel when he 'gets out of line.'He was found guilty of three counts of child abuse against Gabriel, and child abuse resulting in death against Johnson.

Peters will serve 16-80 years in prison and will know the exact time after a sentencing Dec. 5.

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