Alabama man accused of killing 19-month-old child who died from trauma

Published 6:47 am Wednesday, July 29, 2020

An Alabama man has been charged with capital murder in the death of his girlfriend’s 19-month-old child, according to authorities.

The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office obtained a warrant for John Thompson, 31, on the charge Tuesday afternoon, news outlets reported.

Captain Jack Kennedy said authorities were sent to a home in Coker on Monday for a medical call and discovered the girl was breathing irregularly. She was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.

A preliminary medical report indicated the child’s death was “not due to natural causes” and was the result of severe abuse or trauma, news outlets reported, citing Kennedy.

Thompson was looking after the girl while her mother was at work, according to investigators.

It was not clear whether Thompson had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.