Stepfather charged with murder in death of 9-week-old girl

MILLVILLE, N.J. (AP) -- The stepfather of a 9-week-old southern New Jersey girl has been charged with murder in her death.

Cumberland County prosecutors say 33-year-old Manuel Mikes, of Millville, also faces a child endangerment charge. He was being held Monday on $1 million bail.

Prosecutors say emergency crews responded to a Millville home around 6:30 a.m. Friday after receiving reports of an unresponsive baby. The child was pronounced dead there a short time later, and her death has since been ruled a homicide.

Authorities say the child died from blunt trauma to the back of her head, but further details were not disclosed.

Authorities say Mikes was caring for the girl while her mother was in the hospital. The names of the mother and the child have not been released.

© 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.