Stepfather beat child to death with a coat hanger

Jamarius Devonti Graham, 21, beat Aaliyah Lewis in Jacksonville, Florida, on April 21, 2016, when her mother was at work.

A man has admitted beating his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter to death with a plastic coat hanger and a belt after she accidentally soiled his bed.

Jamarius Devonti Graham, 21, of Jacksonville, Florida, was watching toddler Aaliyah Lewis on April 21, 2016, when her mother was at work.

Investigators say Graham admitted to spanking the girl 20 times with a belt and struck her with a plastic hanger.

In a phone call at around midday, Graham told Aaliyah's mother he had belted the youngster but denied it was too hard.

When the mother returned from work, they waiting nearly 90 minutes before seeking help.

When police arrived at UF Health Jacksonville hospital, the child's mother at first lied and said her daughter was watched by another baby sitter.

Later she admitted the child had in fact been with Graham.

The Medical Examiner's Office could not determine the cause of death.

An autopsy found multiple traumatic injuries to her head, torso and extremities, as well as fluid and swelling to the lungs and brain, according to authorities.

Graham's sentencing is scheduled for April 17.

No charges have been filed against the girl's mother.

David Chapman, a spokesman for the State Attorney's Office, said: 'The aggravated child abuse charge against Graham carries with it a 30-year maximum and reflects the findings of the Medical Examiner's Office, which indicated the cause and manner of death could not be determined.'