TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A 25-year-old Tacoma man accused of fatally beating his toddler daughter after she refused to eat has pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-degree murder.
Andrew Houston III was charged Friday in the death of his 2-year-old daughter and entered his plea in Pierce County Superior Court.
Police say Houston told them he became frustrated with the little girl earlier this week when she refused to eat her dinner.
The toddler died Thursday at a Tacoma hospital. According to court documents, the girl suffered retinal hemorrhaging, skull fractures, liver damage and severe brain injury.
Bail for Houston has been set at $1 million. Trial is scheduled for Sept. 7.
