Cierre Wood, a former Notre Dame football running back, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend's five-year-old daughter, with eligibility for parole after ten years. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and felony child abuse, and will serve an additional 28 months to six years for the abuse charge, with sentences running consecutively. The child was found with severe injuries, including blunt force trauma, leading to her death in 2019. Wood's girlfriend, Amy Taylor, also pleaded guilty to similar charges. Wood, who had a brief NFL career, will now be remembered for this tragic crime rather than his athletic achievements. He entered an Alford plea, allowing him to maintain his innocence while admitting guilt in court.