A Mesa man accused in the death of a 2-year-old boy was indicted by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, it was announced on Oct. 15.
Kishawn Porter, 23, faces one count of first-degree murder and one count of child abuse, the announcement read.
Porter was accused of causing “extensive internal injury which resulted in death” of his girlfriend’s toddler, according to the Attorney's Office.
A 911 call to Mesa Fire Department on Sept. 29 alleged the boy had fallen off a bunk bed. The boy was taken to Banner Desert Hospital, where he later died, according to the Attorney's Office.
A medical examiner’s autopsy examination the next day prompted police to file homicide charges against Porter, court records said.
His trial was set to begin in June 2027.
Toddler had extensive injuries to his torso
Mesa Fire Department responded to a call about a child in distress at an apartment near Brown Road and Mesa Drive shortly after 4 a.m. Sept. 29.
Porter had been caring for his girlfriend's three children, ages 2, 3 and 4, the Attorney's Office said.
Porter made his initial court appearance on Sept. 30, where a prosecutor went into detail about the probable cause for his arrest.
An autopsy exam showed the 2-year-old had sustained rib fractures on his left side that were in different stages of healing. He had a lacerated liver and stomach, documents said. The boy also had a tear in his pancreas and showed signs of hemorrhaging in the lining of his abdomen.
It “takes a substantial amount of force to lacerate the stomach and the injuries were less likely to be caused by a fall and were all consistent with child abuse,” the medical examiner said.
Mesa police noted in court documents that Porter’s knuckles had bruising that was “consistent” with him causing injuries to the toddler.
"Mr. Porter hit and punched the 2-year-old multiple times with either his hands and/or a sandal," said Brooke Gaunt, a county prosecutor, during his initial appearance in court on Sept. 30.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 911 call said boy fell from bunk bed. Mesa man faces murder charge
