MIAMI (AP) — A 12-year-old boy charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the death of a playmate could be allowed to plead to a lesser charge under a deal offered by prosecutors.

But the boy's lawyer said he thinks the case will go to trial, and they plan to argue the child was influenced by the theatrics of professional wrestling.

Lionel Tate had pleaded innocent in the July 28 death of 6-year-old Tiffany Eunick.

Under a deal offered Tuesday by prosecutors, Tate could plead guilty to second-degree murder, with a recommended sentence of three years in a juvenile center followed by a year of house arrest, 10 years of probation, psychological testing and counseling, and 1,000 hours of community service.

Tate has until Feb. 29 to accept.

Tate's lawyer, James Lewis, was skeptical about accepting the plea bargain, but said the decision is up to the boy and his mother.

"It looks to me like this case is going to trial. That's how I've always pictured it and we will be ready," Lewis said Wednesday.

Lewis has maintained the little girl's death was a tragic accident, the result of a rough-housing game gone too far and based on things Tate had seen on professional wrestling shows.

According to police, Tate told officers he grabbed the girl in a bear hug, then dropped her, causing her to hit her head on a table. He later said he swung her around and her head struck a cast-iron railing, investigators said.

A medical examiner said her injuries included a fractured skull, a lacerated liver and more than 30 other bruises and breaks.

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