HOUSTON (KRLD) - Derion Vence, the ex-fiance of the mother of Maleah Davis, is now charged with intentionally causing serious bodily injury to a child. He was previously charged with the crime of tampering with a corpse.
Vence reported 4-year-old Maleah Davis missing in early May. Her remains were found in Arkansas on May 31.
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences completed an autopsy.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office says after reviewing all the evidence, including the autopsy results, prosecutors determined there was sufficient evidence to charge Vence with intentionally and knowingly causing seriously bodily injury to a child younger than 15 years of age.
The first-degree felony filed Monday carries a penalty of five to 99 years or life in prison.
Vence's previous charge carries a penalty of two to 20 years in prison. That charge remains in place.