DETROIT (AP) - Charges have been upgraded against a 39-year-old Detroit man in the death of his 2-year-old daughter.
The Wayne County prosecutor’s office says Thomas Smith was arraigned Tuesday on murder, torture and child abuse charges.
Authorities were told in February that the girl was found at the bottom of the stairs at a home after being left alone with her 7-year-old brother. The girl was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Smith was charged a few days later with second-degree child abuse.
Prosecutors say a recent medical examiner’s report has ruled the death a homicide and that the child suffered head and chest injuries.
Smith faces a June 15 probable cause conference. Smith’s attorney declined to comment Wednesday.
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