HASTINGS, Neb.— A 31-year-old Hastings man has taken a deal and pleaded guilty to a charge related to the shooting death of his girlfriend’s 4-year-old son.

Amanda Pecor’s 9-year-old son has been charged with manslaughter, accused of using a .22-caliber rifle to fatally wound his little brother. 

Matthew Edwards made his plea Tuesday in Adams County District Court to negligent child abuse resulting in serious injury, a lesser charge than the original one: negligent child abuse resulting in death. His sentencing is set for Sept. 22.

A hearing for the boy’s mother was postponed to Sept. 8.