Brooklyn Park woman pleads guilty in death of foster child

A Brooklyn Park woman pleaded guilty Friday in the 2017 death of her 3-year-old foster daughter, who was severely malnourished.

Sherrie Dirk, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree unintentional murder and admitted to three aggravating factors: the child was particularly vulnerable due to her age, Dirk was in a position of authority and Dirk had left the child alone for several hours in a weakened state caused by Dirk's actions, according to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.

Dirk's admissions allow a judge at sentencing to hand down a longer term than state guidelines would recommend.

The prosecution and defense are expected to argue for a sentence between 25 and 35 years when she is sentenced Dec. 3, the attorney's office said.

Dirk and her husband, Bryce Dirk, 33, were originally indicted last year with one count each of first-degree and second-degree murder.

Bryce Dirk pleaded guilty last month to second-degree murder and is expected to receive 12½ years in prison when he is sentenced Nov. 4.

The Dirks' four other children were removed from their home last year, and a trial to terminate their parental rights is scheduled for next month.

Chao Xiong