A former Navy man accused last year in the death of his 3-month-old daughter was reindicted on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse and is slated to go on trial next week.

David Vesey, 38, was arrested in February 2007 after his daughter, Alexis Kayla King, died at Wolfson's Children's Hospital.

Doctors, who said they suspected the baby's injuries were consistent with shaken baby syndrome, called police. Detectives questioned both parents and searched the family's apartment on Plantation Bay Drive, just off Collins Road on the Westside.

Police said Vesey initially denied any wrongdoing, but then admitted he shook the baby because she was crying.

Vesey was released on bond set by Judge John Merritt, but was arrested Thursday afternoon at his home after the new indictment. At Monday morning's arraignment, Merritt criticized the state attorney's office for having Vesey arrested without informing Vesey's attorney or giving the defendant the chance to turn himself in.

"I'll tell you right now this is no way to practice law. That's no way to treat another lawyer. The other man's got council; he's showed up for court every time and it's discreditable to allow a man to be arrested at his house instead of at least telling his lawyer and letting him bring him in. That's unworthy," Merritt said.

Also unworthy, according to Vesey's defense attorney Michael Roberts, is the new charge. He said the move was intimidation from the state as a way to force Vesey into a plea deal.

"This arrest is an attempt to compensate for the state attorney's lack of a case. That is what is so insidious about it," Roberts said.

Vesey was ordered held without bond on the new murder charge. Vesey's lawyers requested a new bond be set, a request that was taken under advisement by Merritt.

Vesey has invoked his right to a speedy trial as his wife -- who is also in the Navy -- is going on deployment soon and will be a witness for the defense. Jury selection in the case is set for May 5.

Previous Stories:

• February 20, 2007: After Baby Dies, Father Charged With Murder
• February 14, 2007: Police Arrest Father Of Severely Injured Baby