|
- |
BY KEITH EPPS
Little Khloe Ward was in a lot of pain when she was flown to a Richmond hospital on April 23, medical experts testified.
The 2-month-old, 10-pound Stafford County girl had fractured ribs and an upper leg that was literally broken in half. Khloe died April 29 as the result of shaken baby syndrome.
Khloe's father, 22-year-old Anthony Lemontez King Jr., is accused of inflicting the damage. His trial started yesterday in Stafford Circuit Court.
Judge John Alderman of Hanover County is expected to decide today whether King is guilty. He is charged with murder, aggravated malicious wounding, child abuse and child cruelty.
Detective John Hughes testified yesterday that King admitted in an interview that he was "responsible" for the child's injuries.
But pressed for details, King only admitted to dropping the baby, an act medical authorities said could not have caused such extensive damage.
"I swear I didn't try to shake her. I just dropped her," Hughes quoted King as saying.
According to the evidence presented by prosecutors Eric Olsen and Michael Hardiman, King went to Rochell Ward's home April 23 to visit the baby they have in common.
Ward was outside with her other small children when King informed her that something was wrong with Khloe. The child was unresponsive and not breathing.
The child was rushed to Mary Washington Hospital, then flown to St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond. Tests later revealed the extent of the baby's injuries.
Hughes said he talked to King several times. He said King initially denied having any idea what happened to Khloe.
He said at the last interview, King stated, "I know what happened. I'm responsible."
Hughes said King told him he didn't remember how the baby got hurt, then added the part about dropping her.
Among the other evidence presented was a recorded phone call from the Rappahannock Regional Jail and a statement by King's sister.
In the phone call, King was talking to a woman about moving out of state together. When she mentioned a child who'd be going with them, King replied, "I'll have another body under my belt."
The woman responded with an incredulous "What!" and King said he was only kidding.
King's sister, Sherika King, testified that she told Detective Hughes that she thought her brother hurt the baby. She said King didn't respond when she confronted him about it.
Defense attorneys Jim Ilijevich and Robin Tarabochia are expected to present their evidence this morning.
The case was supposed to be heard by a jury, but both sides agreed yesterday to let the judge decide.
Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
Email: kepps@freelancestar.com
