This undated photo provided by the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority shows Benjamin Taylor of Cottageville, W.V. Taylor is charged with murder in Oct. 5, 2016 death of a 9-month-old baby who authorities say he also sexually assaulted. (WV Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority via AP)
Republished October 07, 2016 - 5:53 AM
Original Publication Date October 07, 2016 - 3:15 AM
RIPLEY, W.Va. - A West Virginia man accused of sexually assaulting a 9-month-old baby is now charged with murder in the child's death.
Media outlets report 32-year-old Benjamin Taylor of Cottageville was charged with first-degree murder after the girl died of her injuries at a hospital Wednesday. Taylor is the boyfriend of the victim's mother, but isn't the child's father.
He was initially charged Monday with first-degree sexual assault.
A criminal complaint shows the baby had extensive bleeding. The complaint says the injuries indicated a violent sexual assault, as well as shaking or striking of the face.
Taylor told deputies he took the baby to the basement of an apartment while doing laundry. He said he "blacked out" and didn't know how the baby's injuries occurred.
It's unclear whether Taylor has an attorney.
News from © The Associated Press, 2016