DETROIT (WWJ) – A Detroit man is facing murder and child abuse charges in connection with the death of his girlfriend's 2-year-old son earlier this month.
Laurence Powell, 27, was arraigned Thursday on one count of felony murder and one count of first-degree child abuse.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office says Powell took the boy to the hospital around 11 p.m. on Aug. 17. Officials say Xavier suffered severe blunt force trauma to the back of his head and spine earlier the same day at Powell's home in the 15390 block of Linwood Avenue on the city's northwest side.
Detroit police officers were called to the hospital and arrested Powell.
The boy died at the hospital on Aug. 19.
Authorities have not released details about the alleged blunt force trauma that led to the toddler's death.
Powell was charged with first-degree child abuse on Aug. 20 while the prosecutor's office was waiting for the medical examiner's report to be finished. He was arraigned the same day and given a $250,000 cash/surety bond, and ordered to wear a GPS tether and home confinement.
Due to an administrative issue at the 36th District Court, the case had to be refiled. The previous charge of child abuse was dismissed and Powell was arraigned on the murder and child abuse charges Thursday.
He was remanded to jail.
His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 8.
