Alabama man arrested after 18-month-old toddler dies from 'extensive injuries'
12/20/2021 3:23 pm PST
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (TCD) -- A 28-year-old man was arrested Dec. 17 after his girlfriend’s 18-month-old daughter died from suspected child abuse.
According to the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the young girl was taken to DCH Regional Medical Center at approximately 3 a.m. on Dec. 17 because she was not breathing. Tuscaloosa Police said the child was "briefly revived," but she passed away soon after.
Officers went to the hospital to investigate and believed child abuse contributed to her death. Tuscaloosa Police got in touch with the Violent Crimes Unit, who searched the child’s residence at Hay Court as well as her medical records. According to Tuscaloosa Police, the autopsy report says the toddler "suffered extensive injuries."
Joseph Earl Jenkins was taken into custody that night at 7 p.m. and charged with capital murder. He is reportedly in a relationship with the child’s mother.
WTVM-TV reports the girl’s body was sent to Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for an autopsy. Additional charges could be brought on as the investigation continues.
Jenkins is being held without bond.
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