Authorities have revealed that Marc Jenkins, a 32 year-old resident of Queens, New York, has been arrested on murder and assault charges in relation to the death of his 3 year-old stepdaughter Bella Edwards. Police were called to their home at around 6 p.m. on Monday, where they found the toddler unconscious and unresponsive. She was then taken to the hospital, where she eventually died.
Jenkins was living with Edwards and her mother, and was the one who called 911. When the police and medical personnel arrived, he was performing CPR on the young girl's lifeless body.
Edwards' mother was not present during the incident, leaving Jenkins alone with Edwards and her 3 month-old sibling. A preliminary autopsy has revealed the cause of death to be blunt trauma to her abdomen, while also showing signs that she was sexually abused.
Jenkins has officially been charged with second degree murder and assault; however, the sexual assault allegation is still being further investigated. If convicted of his crimes, Jenkins could face 25 to life in prison.
"Bella was a beautiful soul, vibrant. That's how everybody remembers her," reveals family member Quintina Thorn.