CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — 20 years after the tragic death of an infant, Melissa Chrisman pleaded guilty to murder.

An 11-year-old discovered “Baby Daniel” frozen to death, wrapped in blankets, with its umbilical cord still attached, on Jan. 17, 2003.

The case went cold for 17 years as detectives struggled to make an arrest in connection to the incident. That was until Chrisman was arrested and charged with murder and felony child abuse and neglect. The child abuse charge was nolle prossed, or withdrawn, on Oct. 27, 2023.

At the time of the incident, Chrisman was 24. 

Chrisman has her pre-sentencing date on the first degree murder charge on March 7, 2024.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.