25 Years To Life For Killing Daughter

A Bronx man who punched his infant daughter in the face, killing her, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, officials said earlier today.

Lawrence Johnson, 31, was convicted of second-degree murder in the December 1, 2006 death of 3-month-old Jayla.

Johnson tried to blame the baby’s death on a toddler who was living with him and his wife, claiming the older child struck Jayla with a toy, cops said. But police said he punched the sleeping baby in the face in his E. 181st St. apartment because he was furious about being nagged by his wife.

Johnson, who has several other children, had been fired from his job as a drug counselor shortly before the shocking incident.

He was sentenced Monday by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Peter Benitez.