A former Graywood employee pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of a disabled man on Friday.

Daniel J. Clark, 24, pleaded guilty to criminal negligence of a person with disabilities, Dustin Higgins, 21.

In 2008, Higgins was beaten in a Graywood group home at 1511 B St. in Charleston, according to police.

During a stipulated bench trial, Clark’s defense attorney, Brett Olmstead, said that the state’s attorneys had enough evidence to find Clark guilty.

A sentence hearing is scheduled for April l where Clark could be sentenced to three to seven years or up to 14 years for his charges, said the Circuit Judge James Glenn.

Another defendant Christopher P. Oliver, a former Graywood employee, maintained his innocence Friday.

Oliver’s defense attorney Thomas Brandstrader said his client is requesting separate counsel.

Oliver is charged with involuntary manslaughter and criminal negligence of a person with disabilities.

Oliver is also charged with first-degree murder and criminal abuse.

Originally, Clark was charged with first-degree murder and criminal abuse, but the charges were dropped as part of the agreement with the state attorney’s office.

A status hearing for Oliver is scheduled for Feb. 28.

Oliver was originally scheduled for a stipulated bench trial but opted out and instead is seeking trial.

Clark could also be asked to testify against Oliver during Oliver’s trial, said Assistant State attorney Rob Scales.

Clark’s testimony is part of the agreement with the state attorney’s office.

Two former Graywood residents have pleaded guilty to aggravated battery charges in connection with Higgins’ death.

Edward E. Flexter and Robert T. Gardner are serving their sentence of two and half years in an Illinois Department of Human Services facility.

Elizabeth Edwards can be reached at 581-7943 or [email protected].