BOISE -- The mother of an 8-year old boy found dead in a canal has pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting his murder.
Melissa Jenkins pleaded guilty to the charge of aiding and abetting in the second degree.
In July of 2009, thousands of people spent weeks searching for Robert Manwill, whose body was found Aug. 3 in the New York canal.
Jenkins, and her boyfriend Daniel Ehrlick made public pleas for help, but they were both eventually arrested in connection with the murder.
Melissa Jenkins will be sentenced on Aug. 11. According to the Ada County Prosecutor's Office, the state will request a sentence of 25 years in prison, without the possibility of parole.
Monday's hearing was closed to our cameras. NewsChannel 7 obtained an audio recording of the proceedings.
Jenkinsadmits she not only knew about her son's abuse,but she failed to stop it.
Fourth District Court Judge Darla Williamson presided over the hearing.
So Miss Jenkins you understand that on or about July 24, 2009, Robert sustained a fatal and traumatic head injury. Is that correct? asked Williamson.
Yes ma'am, replied Jenkins.
The court recording reveals Robert told his mom he was being abused by her boyfriend, Daniel Ehrlick, but Jenkins didn't stop the abuse.
You knew during that time when you left your child with Daniel Edward Ehrlick Jr. that Mr. Ehrlick had intentionally inflicted extreme and prolonged pain, and extreme and prolonged acts of brutality on the child? asked Williamson.
Yes ma'am, replied Jenkins.
Jenkins described some of the abuse to the judge.
Placing him against the wall for an extended period of times and in a position considered the dead bug,where you lay on your back with your feet and your arms straight up in the air, said Jenkins.
Okay, so he'd have to lay like that for extended periods of time? asked Williamson.
Yes ma'am, replied Jenkins.
Jenkins says she left Robert with Ehrlick on the day of his death, July 24. She went to work, but by doing so, she admits she failed to protect him from the violence that eventually led to his death.
You understand that by leaving Robert with Mr. Ehrlick that day that there was reason for you to believe he would abuse Robert? asked Williamson.
Yes ma'am, replied Jenkins.
Jenkins also admits she kept Robert from family and friends to cover up the abuse, and just one day before his death, Jenkins says she hid Robert from social workers.
You hid him in a closet. Is that correct? asked Williamson.
Yes ma'am, replied Jenkins.
You failed to inform authorities of Robert's pain and suffering and injuries that he had received. Is that correct? asked Williamson.
Yes ma'am, replied Jenkins.
As for the case againstEhrlick, Ada County Prosecutor Greg Bower says maybe Jenkins will testify against Ehrlick. He says he did not bargain for her testimony in this negotiation.
Ehrlick's trial is set to begin in April and is expected to last six weeks.
