We have a little maxim here at Dastardly Dads: A father's custodial status will be neatly forgotten by the time he goes to trial for murdering or injuring the kids.
And so we have here. Earlier reporting indicated that JORGE DEPINA was in fact a custodial father, and that all contact with the mother (who lived in another country) had been basically eliminated.
See here for additional background.
http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/crime/article/Father-pleads-not-guilty-to-daughter-s-death-5127847.php
Father pleads not guilty to daughter's death
Updated 11:55 am, Thursday, January 9, 2014
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Pawtucket man has pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder in the death of his 10-year-old daughter last summer.
WPRI-TV reports that Jorge DePina entered the plea Thursday. He was indicted by a Providence County grand jury last week.
DePina was arrested shortly after he brought his daughter, Aleida Cristiane DePina, to the hospital in July with bruises and what appeared to be burn marks. She died of blunt force trauma to her small intestine.
Police have said they believe her injuries were consistent with severe physical abuse over an extended period of time.
DePina's arraignment was moved up from Jan. 22.
DePina's public defender did not immediately return a phone message.