UPSTATE — A former Clemson University student has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the death of a 16-month old girl.

Richard Brandon Lewis, 26, was found guilty Thursday in a Laurens County courtroom of aiding and abetting homicide by child abuse.

Lewis’ girlfriend, Ashley Hepburn, the child’s mother, was found guilty of homicide by child abuse and sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Lewis was arrested last year on the campus of Clemson University in connection with the 2009 death of Audrina Hepburn.

According to arrest warrants, Audrina Hepburn died Oct. 17, 2009 as a result of injuries attributed to child abuse or neglect.

Police said she died of extensive brain injuries.

Police said the abuse occurred at a Cross Hill home in Laurens County on or around Oct. 12-13, 2009.

Hepburn, 23, had originally been charged with abuse, but was charged with murder after Audrina died.

Lewis had originally faced a charge of homicide by child abuse.

SLED Communications Director Jennifer Timmons told the Sentinel that Clemson University police and SLED arrested Lewis without incident last year.