Custodial dad faces new murder charge in death of 9-year-old daughter; girl's body found in empty home last year (Monument, Colorado)

We posted on this case just yesterday, when the gal pal took a plea deal. Now it looks like custodial dad HANIF SIMS may have the charges against him upgraded from felony child abuse to murder. Recall that this a father who had abuse allegations against him back in New Jersey, and yet managed to get and retain custody anyway. See our posting from yesterday for a summary of this case.

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/6e28ef8afd364474a5e00b29ebf19ad5/CO--Dead-Child-Vacant-House/

Father faces new murder charge in death of girl found under empty home in MonumentTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: May 09, 2011 - 11:32 pm
Last Updated: May 09, 2011 - 11:32 pm

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A man whose daughter was found under an empty home in Monument now faces a charge of murder.

Hanif Sims originally was charged with felony child abuse after contractors found the body of 9-year-old Genesis Sims last year under a home where Sims had lived with Monique Lynch in 2008.

Lynch had been charged with first-degree murder in Genesis' death. But The Gazette reports Lynch reached a deal with prosecutors last week in which she pleaded guilty to child abuse causing death and agreed to testify against Sims, in exchange for prosecutors dropping the murder charge.

Lynch faces 10 to 32 years in prison at a sentencing hearing June 30.

The Gazette reports a judge could decide Tuesday whether there is enough evidence to try Sims on the murder charge.