Jeremy Erickson was led into Kimball County District Courtroom at about 12:02 p.m. on Oct. 21 for sentencing. He had been convicted on Aug. 13 for placing his 15 month old infant son Tristen “in a situation that endangers his life ... resulting in the death of said child.”The sentence could range from 20 years to life.District Court Judge Derek Weimer called on Kimball County Attorney Dave Wilson first. Wilson spoke for the State of Nebraska. Wilson said the child suffered a violent death from shaking and even displayed spinal cord damage. He said assault was not uncommon in Erickson’s record, that Erickson was a menace to society and that Erickson  was admittedly on meth at the time he caused the child’s death. Wilson said Erickson admitted to anger problems. Wilson said the death of the child was a great loss to the family. Defense Attorney Kelly Breen spoke next and said Erickson had cooperated with the authorities in many ways since his arrest and had been truthful when questioned. Breen said the Governor has praised the rehabilitation work of Nebraska’s correctional facilities. “Don’t simply warehouse Erickson,” said Breen, “This was not an intentional act.”“He did a serious, grievous act in this one instance,” he said, “With a program of rehabilitation, he might be able to return to society.”Breen asked for a sentence that would give Erickson incentive to rehabilitate.He reminded Judge Weimer that the legislature gave leeway in sentencing.With attorneys’ statements now complete, Weimer proceeded.Before pronouncing sentence Derek Weimer asked  Erickson if there was any reason sentencing should not take place.Erickson said, “No.”Weimer then asked if Erickson had anything to say.Erickson again answered, “No.”Weimer, in a short address to the defendant, to the two attorneys and to the near full District courtroom, said he did not take into consideration the defendant’s statement about a lack of remorse or take umbrage with that and other statements made under the advice of an attorney.Weimer said he had considered the statements of both attorneys, read the probation department’s report, reviewed the history of the case, considered motivation and provocation, checked legislative and legal guidelines and looked for intent, excuses and justification.Weimer said that he was present throughout the trial, reviewed his notes and, checked Erickson’s previous record.Weimer said that record showed that Erickson had been in and out of trouble for the past 10 years and that he had been convicted of assault as an adult.Weimer went on to say that there is no excuse or justification for such an act, a child of this young age could not provoke. He spoke of the “constellation of injuries” caused by Erickson’s shaking and slamming the infant.Weimer said, “No one knows what went through Tristen’s mind during those last moments. The act defies a certain amount of comprehension.”He told Erickson “You clearly have problems controlling violence and with impulse control.”Weimer then pronounced sentence. Life to a term of no less than 90 years. Erickson received credit for time already served.He will be eligible for parole in 45 years.Erickson was led out of the courtroom after Weimer pronounced sentence.The sentence was life.