FORSYTH, Mo. -- A southwest Missouri woman has pleaded guilty in the death of her toddler.

Amanda Walden, 23, of Reeds Spring, admitted to an amended charge of involuntary manslaughter during her court appearance Thursday in Taney County.

Her 14-month-old son, Josh Polson, died in March 2001 after her boyfriend allegedly shook the boy and threw him to the ground of the Rockaway Beach home where Walden lived.

The boy suffered a severe head injury and other bruises consistent with child abuse, authorities said.

Walden initially was charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The charge was dismissed with the manslaughter plea.

Sentencing was set for Oct. 16.