Jalen Vaden issues statement, says he takes responsibility, but adds earlier confession not accurate or truthful

The following statement was issued by Jalen Vaden's attorney Tracey Martin, on behalf of her client, following today's plea hearing in which Vaden pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 22 years in prison for felony child abuse resulting in a death.

Jalen has authorized me to make a statement on his behalf following his guilty plea.

Jalen continues to assert that his "confession" was not accurate or truthful.

However, he does take responsibility for a reckless, tragic accident that resulted in the death of a beautiful child. He feels extreme guilt and remorse for all of the families and individuals that continue to grieve for that precious little girl.

(The complete report on Jalen Vaden's plea hearing)

It has taken a lot of time to look at every piece of evidence and follow every lead. After a thorough review of the evidence, and the additional medical evidence only released last month, it became clear that Jayda's death was the result of reckless action.



Jalen had no intent to hurt or injure Jayda and unfortunately, that does not change the outcome.

He wants to personally apologize to both the Kyle and McPherson families for their loss. He also is disgusted by how the families have been treated on social  media, and asks that people allow the families to process their loss without any further bullying or mistreatment on social media or otherwise.

While this is certainly not the outcome many hoped for, we promised to thoroughly review every aspect of this case to confirm that we found the truth.



While there may be unanswered questions, we have done all we can do to find and stand on the truth. Jalen hopes that taking responsibility will allow the families and the community to move toward healing.

Unfortunately, this case resulted in a number of hurtful, inaccurate facts being shared. We hope this resolution will end the speculation and gossip that has hurt so many.

Jalen hopes the three families can heal and work together in spite of him, so that the two young boys can be reunited as brothers. They lost their sister and extended family members.

There has been enough heartbreak.

Jalen believes it is time to allow these families to heal, hopefully together, for the boys.