VALLEY CITY (AP) - A man and woman from this city charged with murder in the death of his toddler son have changed their pleas. The boy's mother is unhappy with the plea deal.

James Lee Thompson, 26, pleaded guilty Tuesday to abuse or neglect of a child, which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison.

Cassandra Riediger, 18, entered an Alford plea to a negligent homicide charge, which carries a maximum five-year penalty. The Alford plea means she does not admit to wrongdoing but acknowledges a jury might find her guilty.

Authorities say James Thompson's 14-month-old son, Marcus, died of malnutrition last September while in the care of Thompson and Riediger, who were living together.

An autopsy indicated that Marcus Thompson died of chronic starvation and dehydration. The child weighed about 13½ pounds at the time of the autopsy, court papers say.

Thompson and Riediger will be sentenced later. Southeast District Judge Mikal Simonson said both also will be required to register as offenders against children for at least 10 years.