18-month-old child dead in Alabama, mom's boyfriend accused of murder

An Alabama man was charged with killing his girlfriend’s infant daughter, police said.

Joseph Earl Jenkins, 28, was charged with capital murder after his girlfriend’s 18-month-old girl died at Druid City Hospital on Dec. 17.

“The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit worked throughout the day with assistance from multiple agencies to resolve this difficult and heartbreaking case,” according to the Tuscaloosa Police Department. “TPD officers were called to DCH at 3 a.m. this morning. The child had been transported to the hospital because she was not breathing. She was briefly revived, but died a short time later.”

Officers suspected child abuse might have played a role in her death and contacted the Violent Crimes Unit.

After reviewing medical records, investigators searched the residence at the Hay Court apartments and reviewed the preliminary autopsy report that indicated the toddler “suffered extensive injuries.” The child’s name has not been released.

The child's mother and her live-in boyfriend, Jenkins, were taken in for questioning, according to TuscaloosaNews.com.

This incident comes after several deaths have happened at the apartment complex this past year. Most recently, a woman was shot at the complex on Nov. 19, according to WRBL News.

Jenkins was transported to jail at 7 p.m. and is being held without bond.