PARKERSBURG – A Parkersburg man received the maximum sentence Monday for his involvement in the death of a 3-year-old boy in 2012.

Matthew Edward Lamp, 30, of Parkersburg, was sentenced by Wood County Circuit Judge Robert Waters to 40 years in prison on a felony count of death of a child by guardian or custodian in connection with a September 2012 incident.

He received credit for time served and must serve at least 10 years before becoming eligible for parole. Lamp will be required to register for 10 years with the West Virginia State Police Child Abuse and Child Neglect program and was assessed felony court costs.

Lamp was originally indicted on Jan. 17 on one felony count each of murder of a child by guardian or custodian and death of a child by guardian or custodian.

According to court records, the child in Lamp’s care was critically injured on Sept. 30, 2012, at the Parkersburg home of his mother, Lamp’s girlfriend. The child was taken to Camden Clark Medical Center. Detectives from the Parkersburg Police Department and Child Protective Services were called by hospital personnel. The child was later taken by medical helicopter to Morgantown, where he died a few days later.

During his plea hearing on Oct. 24, Lamp stated that he struck the 3-year-old on the side of the head with his fist, which caused the front of the toddler’s head to strike a counter. He said the boy fell asleep a few minutes after the incident and never woke up.

* In another circuit court case, Brian Eugene McMurray, 22, of Parkersburg pleaded guilty Monday to a worthless check count. His sentencing was deferred until he completes his current sentence in another case. McMurray was indicted Nov. 7 on charges of worthless check and uttering.