Man charged with murder in 17-month-old girl’s death

A 21-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 17-month-old child over the weekend.

Michael Ross was charged with the murder and one count of child abuse in a Sedgwick County courtroom Tuesday, where he appeared over a closed-circuit monitor from the Sedgwick County Jail.

Police have said Ross was watching 17-month-old Grace Harris while her mother, Ross’ girlfriend, was at work. Police responded to a 911 call that the girl had fallen, and she died on Saturday after sustaining multiple bruises, internal injuries and a brain bleed, police said.

In court Tuesday, Ross said he didn’t understand the murder charge against him, saying he hadn’t a chance to tell his “side of the story.”

He had previously been charged with two counts of child abuse and two counts of aggravated battery. He was being held on a $100,000 bond.

On Tuesday, his bond was increased to $500,000 to reflect the murder charge. Ross appeared disbelieving at the increase, and seconds later he buried his face in his hand.

After Judge Kevin O’Connor completed the first appearance, Ross buried his head inside his yellow jail jumper.

He is next set to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Nov. 25.

There have been four child abuse homicide in Wichita in 2015, according to Wichita police. Grace’s death was the third.

This story was originally published November 17, 2015 at 4:53 PM with the headline "Man charged with murder in 17-month-old girl’s death."