Crime

Accused Newton County baby killer denied bail

In this undated photo released by the Newton County Sheriff's Office, Christopher McNabb is shown. McNabb fled shortly before being named a person of interest in the 15-day-old Georgia baby death Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, according to the reports, which cited the Newton County Sheriff's Office. The body of the baby, who had been reported missing, was found in woods behind her family's home.
In this undated photo released by the Newton County Sheriff's Office, Christopher McNabb is shown. McNabb fled shortly before being named a person of interest in the 15-day-old Georgia baby death Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, according to the reports, which cited the Newton County Sheriff's Office. The body of the baby, who had been reported missing, was found in woods behind her family's home. Special to the Ledger-Enquirer

The accused killer of a 15-day-old girl appeared in court today in Covington, Ga.

According to a story from the Covington News, Christopher Michael McNabb, charged with murder, appeared Thursday morning in a Newton County Courtroom.

During this first appearance in court McNabb kept his head lowered and did not speak, instead motioning yes or no with his head.

He was denied bail and refused a public defender.

The Covington News said investigators said the baby had been struck in the skull with an unknown object causing damage to the skull.

WSB-TV reported search crews found the body of Caliyah McNabb in the woods in a duffel bag.

Christopher McNabb, the child’s father, reportedly jumped out of a car and ran away Sunday afternoon when authorities reported they had found the child’s body. He is currently the only person of interest in the case.

Authorities said they found McNabb hours later and arrested him on a probation violation charge out of Bartow County.

The baby’s parents called police on Saturday morning when they noticed Caliyah was missing, according to WSB. The last time they saw her was at 5 a.m. for a feeding and then noticed she was gone around 10 a.m.

Larry Gierer: 706-571-8581, @lagierer

This story was originally published October 12, 2017 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Accused Newton County baby killer denied bail."

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