A New York man who admitted beating his girlfriend's 4-year-old godson to death because he wouldn't take a nap has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

Newsday reports that Jonathan Thompson apologized Monday in a Long Island courtroom for the death of 4-year-old Adonis Reed.

Thompson was living with Adonis' family. He pleaded guilty last month to second-degree murder in the child's 2013 death.

The 34-year-old said he was sorry "for the events that took place."

The boy's paternal aunt, LaShon Reed, called Thompson a coward and a monster at the sentencing. She said the death of the little boy caused her entire family to suffer.

She said afterward that the family doesn't accept Thompson's apology.