An Alamosa County man has pleaded no contest in the death of his 6-month-old daughter and faces up to 20 years in prison under an agreement with prosecutors.

Cody Lakey entered the plea Wednesday to a charge of reckless child abuse causing death. In exchange, prosecutors dropped a murder charge.

His daughter, Alexis, died on Sept. 5, two days after she suffered a closed-head injury. Prosecutors say the 28-year-old father was caring for her the night she was hurt.

The sentencing range for the charge is eight to 24 years, and the judge is not bound by the 20-year limit in the plea deal. Lakey could withdraw his plea if the judge decides on a longer sentence.