Man sentenced in shooting that killed woman, paralyzed child

VINELAND, N.J. (AP) — A Florida man involved in a shooting that killed a New Jersey mom and paralyzed her young son has pleaded guilty to weapons charges.

Cumberland County prosecutors say Raymond Finch entered his pleas Thursday. The 37-year-old Kissimmee man was then sentenced to 20 years in state prison.

Finch initially was charged with murder and conspiracy in the October 2007 slaying of 24-year-old Lanieceya Walker. But a county jury could not reach a verdict after a lengthy trial that was held last November.

Authorities have said that Walker and her then 13-month-old son were sleeping in a bed in her Vineland apartment when both were shot. Walker was pronounced dead at the scene, while the child was left paralyzed below the neck.

Authorities say Finch formerly lived in Vineland.