UTICA – The Utica man accused of killing his girlfriend’s seven-month-old baby appeared before a judge on Monday morning.
Jason Nieves, 22, is charged with second-degree murder.
In Oneida County Court on Monday, Nieves was expected to accept or reject a plea offer, but the proceedings were adjourned until April 2. Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara is waiting for a complete and thorough autopsy.
On Jan. 20, Utica police and firefighters responded to a home on Walker Street for a report of an unresponsive child, and they found seven-month-old Emelina Sanchez with faint vital signs and head injuries. She died from her injuries the following day at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Police say that Nieves allegedly caused the baby’s head injuries in response to her crying uncontrollably.