Dad charged with 2nd-degree murder in death of 7-month-old daughter (Rich Creek, Virginia)

Dad AARON JUSTICE EDWARDS has been arrested and charged with 2nd-degree murder in the death of his 7-month-old daughter, who died from a traumatic brain injury. There was also evidence of healing injuries, suggesting that Daddy had abused the baby before. Note that although Mom is not charged, she has lost custody of their surviving child.

http://articles.wdbj7.com/2011-03-15/murder_28693226

Giles Co. father charged with murdering his seven-month-old daughter
Aaron Edwards is charged with second degree murder
March 15, 2011By Karen Kiley Reporter

RICH CREEK: Va. — A seven month old baby is dead; her father is now behind bars, charged with murder.

Aaron Justin Edwards, 25 of Rich Creek, was arrested Tuesday in the death of his daughter Ella Dawn Edwards.

The Giles Co. sheriff's department first got a call for an unresponsive child on March 1. Ella Dawn was flown from a Giles Co. hospital to Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where she underwent surgery and spent a week in intensive care and on life support, according to the sheriff's department. She died Tuesday, March 8.

Hospital staff alerted police to the case, according to the sheriff.

After an extensive investigation, the baby's father is now facing second degree murder and neglect charges (cause or permit serious injury to the life or health of a child by a willful act, omission or refusal to provide necessary care).

"It took some time to do this. And all the information we have points to the father," said Giles Co. Sheriff Morgan Millirons.

Ella Dawn died from a traumatic brain injury, according to an autopsy. Older injuries that were starting to heal were also observed on the child, according to the sheriff.

"We very seldom ever see anything like this. Here in the NRV, there have been cases like this, but it's always that you read about it happening far away. This hit home. And I'm glad we don't see these," said Sheriff Millirons.

Aaron Edwards is being held without bond in jail.

The mother of the baby is not charged with a crime, although the sheriff says the couple's one other child has been removed from the home.