A Starkville man is facing a capital murder charge after the death of a 2-month-old child.
Clay County investigators arrested Charles T. Mullins, of 734 New Light Road, last Thursday, according to Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott. Mullins, 18, was initially charged with child abuse. On Tuesday, investigators upgraded the charges to capital murder.
The case began Oct. 8, when emergency crews responded to a 911 call at 9630 Griffith Road in west Clay County. Scott said the infant, Iriana Mullins, was then airlifted to University Medical Center in Jackson. On Friday afternoon, Iriana Mullins was removed from a ventilator and died, according to Scott.
Medical reports cite blunt force trauma as the cause of death, according to a media release from the Clay County Sheriff Department.
During Charles Mullins’ arraignment in Clay County Justice Court, bond was denied. He remains in the Clay County Detention Center.
Scott said the investigation is ongoing. He encourages anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s department at 662-494-2896 or Golden Triangle CrimeStoppers at 800-530-7151.
It was unclear whether Mullins has an attorney.
This is the second death of a 2-month-old in Clay County to lead to a capital murder charge this year.
In April, Brittania Smith, 24, was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly giving her infant son, Brinston Smith, an overdose of cough syrup.
Brittania Smith is awaiting trial. Prosecutors say they will not pursue the death penalty in that case.
William Browning was managing editor for The Dispatch until June 2016.
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