KENNETT (AP) – A southeast Missouri man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for abducting and killing a 3-year-old neighbor girl in 2011.

Shawn Morgan of Senath pleaded guilty Monday to first-degree murder, armed criminal action and child kidnapping. He had been scheduled to go to trial in August.

Three-year-old Breeann Rodriguez went missing on Aug. 6, 2011, while riding a small pink bicycle with training wheels near her home.

Her disappearance set off a frantic search in Senath. Her remains were found 10 days later about eight miles outside of the small community.

Authorities say Morgan confessed to killing the child after finding her on the ladder of his above-ground bac