Mother accused of killing 4-year-old Kentucky girl pleads guilty to lesser manslaughter charge

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Instead of murder, a mother accused of killing her 4-year-old daughter pleaded guilty to lesser charges Friday morning in a Bullitt County courtroom.

Catherine "Abby" McKinney tearfully entered a guilty plea to manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence.

She was originally charged with murder.

Catherine McKinney pleads guilty to manslaughter — Pictured: This screen grab taken from video dated April 14, 2023, shows Catherine McKinney entering a Bullitt County courtroom where she pleaded guilty to manslaughter, abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence in connection with the death of her 4-year-old daughter, Serenity.

"We thought that manslaughter-1 fit the situation best in this particular case, with respect to Ms. McKinney," said Bullitt County Commonwealth's Attorney Bailey Taylor.

Taylor also said this was an agreement made "in order to secure her testimony in the case involving Dakota Hill."

Hill, McKinney's boyfriend, is currently in the Bullitt County Detention Center, charged with murder in relation to Serenity's death.

In court Friday, McKinney's attorney claimed Hill was abusive toward both McKinney and Serenity.

"... Even though they were both repeatedly and horrifically abused by Dakota Hill, Abby was in a situation where her daughter was being abused and she did not stop it, judge. She knowingly permitted this to happen and that led to her daughter's death."

WDRB News has reached out to an attorney listed for Hill, but we have not heard back.

Last February, Serenity's maternal grandfather reported her missing in Shelby County after several loved ones hadn't seen the little girl since Dec. 24, 2020.

Pictured: Serenity McKinney (family photo)

Just a few weeks after reporting her missing, detectives found Serenity's body in a suitcase in a wooded area near the line between Jefferson and Bullitt counties.

Outside of the courtroom on Friday, Taylor told reporters he could not comment on Hill's case, but said if it goes to trial, McKinney could be called to testify, if necessary.

" ... we felt it was very important having Ms. McKinney's testimony going forward," he said.

He said there is already a video statement from McKinney, but she would likely be there to testify in person.

Outside the courthouse, Serenity's family said it was another emotional day.

"Today was the first time we saw Abby actually break down. I've never seen her break down before. And I kind of have a little empathy for her because of what she has endured, too," said Melody Roller, Serenity's paternal grandmother.

She said there will never be closure when it comes to the loss of her granddaughter.

"Justice -- what is the definition of justice when it comes to your grandchild or your own child?"

Roller said she believes McKinney was physically abused by her boyfriend, Dakota Hill -- and that it ultimately cost her granddaughter her life.

"Maybe she couldn't stop him and she wanted to," Roller said. "I don't know, but that's what I'm thinking because I knew Abby before Dakota, and Abby was a very, very sweet girl. She really was."

McKinney's attorney has not responded to requests for an interview.

The Commonwealth has recommended a total sentence of 12 years for McKinney.

Bailey said the recommendation is for 12 years for manslaughter, five years for abuse of a corpse, and five years for tampering with physical evidence, all to be served concurrently. He also said she could get credit for time served. McKinney has been in the Bullitt County Jail since March 2022.

Judge Rodney Burress set McKinney's sentencing date for April 26.

Hill's next court date is scheduled for this summer.