JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 22-year-old man pleaded not guilty Monday morning to aggravated child abuse and second-degree murder in the death of a baby last month.
Police said Garyon Gaston was in charge of watching the 11-month-old boy while the child's mother was at work but the baby was taken to the hospital with broken bones and severe bleeding..
The baby was placed on life support and later died.
Gaston is being held at the Duval County Jail without bond.
He will be in court again Aug. 13.
According to the arrest report, Gaston told investigators the baby and a 22-month-old sibling were on a bed and he left the baby drinking a bottle. When he checked on them later, because he heard noises, the baby was spewing milk and he tried to render aid, he said.
Investigators said Gaston’s story was inconsistent with the baby's injuries.
There is a GoFundMe page set up to help the family of the 11-month old.