Dad charged with murder of 1-year-old daughter; could be facing death penalty (Ada, Oklahoma)

The dad is RILEY WALKER.

http://www.kxii.com/news/headlines/131559188.html

Pontotoc Co. man charged with murder of 1-year-old daughter
Posted: 6:39 PM Oct 11, 2011

Reporter: Sara Humphrey

ADA, OK - The Pontotoc County father arrested yesterday morning and charged with child abuse could now be looking at the death penalty.

Pontotoc County Sheriff John Christian said, "This time it certainly is a possibility that the district attorney will go that route."

Sheriff Christian said charges against twenty-year-old Riley Walker have been amended and he is now charged with first degree murder.

Deputies were called to Walker's home in Byng early yesterday morning shortly after midnight.

Investigators said he was holding the body of his one-year-old daughter.

The toddler was pronounced dead at the scene and Walker was taken into custody and charged with child abuse.

Sheriff Christian said Walker admitted to hitting and squeezing the toddler in the past.
The medical examiner has ruled the one-year-old's death was due to blunt force trauma to the head.

Christian said because of the medical report and the first degree murder charge, Walker could face the death penalty.

"Multiple contusions also all over the babies body, so, and we knew that along with with the skull fracturing and blunt trauma to the head, I think has made a difference in the case," Christian said.

The little girl's mother is currently not facing any charges, but Christian said that will be left up to the district attorney.

The couple also has a 2-year-old son who is now in the care of the Department of Human Services.