Uniontown man charged with criminal homicide in death of 2-year-old girl
UNIONTOWN, Pa. (KDKA) -- A Uniontown man was charged with homicide after police said he abused his fiancée's 2-year-old daughter so badly she died.
Emmanuel Thomas Dennis, 33, was charged with criminal homicide and aggravated assault after the toddler died at Uniontown Hospital on Monday.
Police said first responders were called to the Village of Searights apartment complex around noon Monday, where medics were rendering aid before the child was transported to the hospital. Troopers said they were told the child hadn't been checked on since around 7 a.m.
After an interview and consultation with Fayette County District Attorney Michael Auble, police said charges were filed against Dennis.
"The child had been deceased for a significant amount of time, well beyond several hours. More likely at least 12," Auble added.
According to court documents, Dennis is engaged to the victim's mother and they all live together. Police said during an interview, Dennis complained about the "terrible twos" and admitted to beating the toddler. He said that throughout the weekend, she fell and hit her head six times. Troopers also noted that Dennis did not call the girl by her name, repeatedly referring to her as "it."
Police said Dennis admitted to causing extensive bruising on the victim's body but said he didn't want to take her to the hospital because he was afraid of a Children and Youth Services investigation.
Investigators said when they interviewed the girl's mother, she said her daughter had a head injury and had been acting tired and lethargic. Investigators said she admitted that Dennis had been abusing her for several weeks and she had to have talks with him about it.
"We observed numerous bruises and stitches on the child's body, very evident the child suffered serious physical abuse," Auble said.
The mom told troopers that twice over the last four days, Dennis had become upset with the victim. On one occasion, she told police that he dragged the girl to her room and hit her multiple times.
When the girl's health began to rapidly decline, police said the mother wanted to take her to the hospital, but Dennis said he didn't because of her bruises.
Dennis was arraigned and placed in the Fayette County Jail without bail. State police are continuing the investigation.
When asked if the mother would face charges, Auble would only say, "Additional charges are expected."
