Man Charged In New Castle Baby's Death Arrested In Missouri

A man charged with homicide in the death of an 11-month-old girl last May was arrested in Missouri on Friday and will be extradited back to New Castle.

The baby was rushed from a Lyndal Street home in West Pittsburg to Jameson Hospital on May 31. Kaelin Davis died a few days later at the hospital.

Investigators said William Hess Jr., 23, is charged with homicide in the case.

Investigators said the baby was at the home with Hess while her mother was at work when the child stopped breathing. Police said Hess was dating the child's mother at the time.

According to the criminal complaint obtained by Channel 11, the baby suffered severe bruising on her face and forehead. The report also said the child had a broken wrist and ankle.

Police said Hess blamed the injuries on a dog.

The coroner ruled the manner of death as blunt force trauma.

Police said a witness told them that Hess picked Kaelin up by the ankle and dropped her head-first onto a mattress.

When brought in for questioning, investigators said Hess told them he was drinking and that he said, "When he is drinking it can get dangerous."

According to the criminal complaint, Hess denies hurting the child.

"It is horrible, horrible to happen to anyone. It is sad when you see a child. It is gut-wrenching," said New Castle Police Chief Tom Sansone.

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