THE grandfather of the 18-month-old girl who fatally fell from a cruise ship window will reportedly plead guilty in her death.

Salvatore "Sam" Anello initially pleaded not guilty to a negligent homicide charge from Puerto Rican authorities in the death of little Chloe Wiegand, according to NBC News.

Anello filed paperwork on Tuesday to change his plea in exchange for a deal that avoids jail time, according to Michael Winkleman, the Wiegand family's attorney.

Winkleman told the news outlet the agreement "is in the best interests of the family so that they can close this horrible chapter and turn their focus to mourning Chloe."

A hearing date for the change of plea hasn't been determined yet.

Anello appeared in court in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Monday to ask for a bench trial in front of a judge instead of allowing a jury to decide his fate.

The grieving grandpa told Judge Gisela Alfonso Fernandez he did not want a trial by jury after the horrific death of the 18-month-old on the Freedom of the Seas.

Although more time was allocated to the elderly man's legal team to prepare his defense, the four-day trial is set for April 2.

According to the Puerto Rican criminal code, negligent homicide is a misdemeanor that can result in three years behind bars.

The Wiegands filed a federal civil suit in December against Royal Caribbean Cruises, accusing the company for being at fault for little Chloe's accidental death.

A judge approved the lawsuit this month after the cruise company tried to block it.

More to follow…

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