NEW YORK – A New York City man accused of beating his 3-year-old stepdaughter to death has been arraigned at a hospital.
Kelsey Smith was ordered held without bail on second-degree murder and other charges during a closed-circuit video arraignment Wednesday.
The medical examiner says Jeida Torres died after blunt impact to her head and torso.
Police say her 5-year-old brother told detectives Smith kicked Jeida, banged her head against a bed frame and choked her after she soiled her diaper.
They say the boy also was beaten Saturday in a Brooklyn homeless facility.
Authorities say Smith was hospitalized after trying to slit his wrists.
Attorney Craig Newman was at his side at the hospital, but did not speak about the allegations. He did not immediately respond to a phone message.
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