A man pleaded guilty Monday to running down two women and three children in a random attack in the parking lot of a McDonald’s restaurant, killing a 2-year-old, and was sentenced to life in prison.

Lanny Perry Barnes, 47, admitted running over the five in his car in a random attack May 23, 2006, in Covington, an eastern Atlanta suburb. He pleaded guilty to murder and other charges.

Police said Barnes’ car struck the five, hit the restaurant, then backed up and hit the victims again. Witnesses said they saw Barnes laughing behind the wheel.

Avery Nicole King of North Carolina died of her injuries. Her mother, Anita King, and Covington residents Stephanie Casola and her two sons, Isaac and Jake, recovered from their injuries.

Barnes had been charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery and aggravated assault.

At the time, Barnes’ mother said her son had had depression for years. Barnes also has leukemia and is due for a bone marrow transplant soon.