Kansas father charged with murder after newborn dies with severe injuries

A 23-year-old Belleville, Kansas, man had a first appearance in court on Friday after being charged with first-degree murder in the killing of his 3-month-old daughter, court records show.

William Robert McLaughlin is also charged with abuse of a child — “knowingly and feloniously cause great bodily harm and abusive head trauma.” He is being held in jail until securing a $500,000 cash or surety bond, court records show.

The baby was taken by her parents to Republic County Hospital on Christmas before she was transported to a hospital in Omaha.

“A pediatrician at the Omaha hospital indicated the child has no brain activity due to severe injuries she had sustained,” the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said on Dec. 26. “At this time, the infant remains on life support.”

She died Dec. 29. McLaughlin was arrested Thursday.