Man Accused Of Killing Baby In Boone County Court

A man accused of being responsible for the death of his six month old daughter was arraigned on new charges in Boone County yesterday. [Monday]

Prosecutors changed the charge against Cortavia Smith from second degree murder to child abuse resulting in death.

Both charges carry the same range of punishment and the requirement the suspect serve 85 percent of his sentence if convicted.

During his arraignment, Smith entered a plea of not guilty.

Smith told police his daughter suffered the injuries that led to her death when he accidentally kicked the baby while they were sleeping in the same bed.