Danville man pleads in 2006 shaking death of child

DANVILLE — A week before the start of his murder trial, a Danville man pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in connection with the 2006 shaking death of 2 1/2-year-old Reagan Williams, who died while in his care.

Ryan Allhands, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter, a Class 2 felony. By doing so, he admitted to unintentionally killing Reagan, “a family or household member, without lawful justification by recklessly performing the acts which caused her death” and that those acts “were likely to cause death or great bodily harm.”

Though special penalty provisions apply — because Reagan, whose mother was involved with Allhands, was living in Allhands’ home at 411 Dellwood St. in Tilton at the time of the offense — the maximum sentence he could receive is 14 years in prison.

“We’re not really satisfied with it, but that’s what we’re going to have to accept,” Gary Green, Reagan’s maternal grandfather, said outside of the courtroom after the hearing. He added he doesn’t blame the state’s attorney’s office for offering the deal.

“It ensures he’ll receive some type of punishment,” Green said softly. “I feel he deserves more. Reagan didn’t do anything wrong. I feel (14 years) is kind of an insult to her.”

Vermilion County Circuit Judge Michael Clary is scheduled to sentence Allhands at 1:15 p.m. on Dec. 21.

Allhands could receive anywhere from three to 14 years in prison and up to two years of parole, or he could receive lighter sentences of up to four years of probation and/or periodic imprisonment. He also could be ordered to pay a $25,000 fine and restitution.

State’s Attorney Randy Brinegar said he will ask for the maximum.

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