RICHMOND, Va. -- Mairese Washington, the teen accused of murdering eight-year-old "tiny hero" Marty Cobb, was sentenced to 40 years in prison, with 10 years suspended, after he entered a no contest plea to second-degree murder Wednesday in a Richmond courtroom. Malicious wounding and strangulation charges against Washington, 17, were dropped, the records indicated.

Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Mike Herring said his office remained hopeful they would get a conviction in the case despite the fact there was no video evidence and no confession. He said Marty Cobb's blood was found on Mariese Washington's jersey, giving prosecutors forensic evidence and the leverage they needed to persuade Washington to enter the plea.

Washington was scheduled to go on trial in June.

Cobb was killed May 1, 2014 in South Richmond while he attempted to defend his older sister from Washington, according to family members.