Dad on trial for felony murder in death of 7-month-old daughter (Flint, Michigan)

Dad MICHAEL GRIFFIN, JR. is being tried on felony homicide and child abuse charges in the death of his 7-month-old daughter, who died from a severe blow to the head.

http://www.wnem.com/news/21564760/detail.html

Testimony Continues In Flint Child Homicide Case
Child's Mother Recounts Finding Child, Seeking Help To Revive Her

POSTED: 5:10 pm EST November 9, 2009
UPDATED: 7:05 pm EST November 9, 2009

FLINT, Mich. -- The security guard who tried to breathe life back into a seven-month-old girl took the stand Monday as the girl’s father goes before a judge.

Police said Naviah Griffin died last month from a severe blow to the head.

Monday her mother spoke out on the loss and accusations against her child’s father.

The 7-month-old’s mother wanted to remain unidentified as she remembered the day in late September when she saw her daughter for the last time.

“She was sitting on the couch, next to Mike,” said Naviah’s mother. “She knew how to sit up herself.”

The woman said she went to the store, stopped at a friend’s house and then returned home where she lived with her child’s father, Michael Griffin, Jr.

She said she knocked on the door a few times before he answered.

"I heard Mike talking to himself -- we couldn't really make out what he was saying -- he came down the steps fast and she was in his hands, like she wasn't breathing," said Naviah’s mother. "I grabbed her out his arms and went through the back door asking for help.”

In court though, there was conflicting testimony, as Naviah's mom said she ran out of a townhome, looking for help and carrying the little girl in her arms, she approached the security at the apartment complex, but the security guard tells a different story.

"When we were running to each other, I said what happened, he [Michael Griffin Jr.] said she isn't breathing, she fell out of the swing, that's when I took her," said the security guard. “He was crying and wanted help -- and he wanted it now.”

The security guard was able to revive the 7-month-old twice, but she died a day later after suffering head trauma.

The girl’s father, Michael Griffin Jr. was in tears during testimony Monday as he faces a felony murder charge and first degree child abuse.