An Indiana father faces a lengthy prison sentence after admitting to the murder of his 6-year-old son.

Franklin Elmore Jr., aged 29, received a 55-year sentence for the murder of Justin Elmore, along with an additional 10 years for related offenses, all to be served consecutively, according to WNDU.

Outside the Elkhart County Courthouse, Justin’s mother, Miranda McBride, expressed mixed feelings: “I’m satisfied with it. It’s better than what I thought he would get,” she stated. “I wish he’d have more, death row would be great. But most likely by the time he gets out, he’ll probably be dead anyways.”

Elmore originally claimed that Justin had caused his own fatal injuries on August 3, but investigators quickly dismissed this after discovering severe injuries including a brain bleed and a punctured lung, alongside numerous bruises and abrasions. Both Elmore and his current wife, 27-year-old Cheyenne Elmore, faced charges in connection with Justin’s murder, as detailed by CrimeOnline.

Authorities uncovered surveillance footage from the boy’s “playroom,” capturing Elmore’s assault on his son prior to his death. Court records reveal that Elmore was seen pacing nervously in the backyard with his hands on his head while Cheyenne Elmore, present during the attack, made the 911 call without intervening.

At a plea hearing earlier this month, Elmore admitted that he “knowingly” killed his son but said he “did not mean it.”

At sentencing, Elmore apologized and asked for shorter term, according to WNDU.

“I want to come out as a better man. Different man. That’s all I can do,” Elmore said.

The judge rejected Elmore’s plea, telling him, “You literally beat your son to death.”

After her husband pleaded guilty earlier this month, Cheyenne Elmore changed her plea to guilty and is due to be sentenced on January 13, 2026.