COLUMBUS, Ga. (AP) -- A Georgia man accused in the death of his 7-month-old son told investigators he shook the boy because he thought the child was choking on formula.
Jikevious Scott, 22, was in Columbus Recorder's Court on Monday to face a second-degree murder charge, news outlets reported.
Columbus police Detective David Marrero said in court that the baby, Jayce Bell, was shaken so violently that he suffered bleeding in his brain. On Jan. 11, the child was taken to a hospital in Columbus, then later transferred to Egleston Children's Hospital in Atlanta, Marrero said.
Bell was pronounced dead Jan. 14, according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan.
Investigators said there was no evidence the child was at risk of asphyxiation, the Ledger-Enquirer reported. The baby was shaken while Bell was visiting Scott at the home of Scott's mother, police said.
Scott was charged with second-degree murder because police don't believe there was malicious intent. He was being held without bond.