Man Charged In Death Of Baby Girl Found Unresponsive At Canton IKEA

MIDLAND, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - A 44-year-old Michigan man has been charged with murder and first-degree child abuse in the death of his girlfriend's 4-month-old daughter.

The Midland Daily News reports Richard Watson of Mio, Michigan, was arraigned Tuesday.

A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf and a judge ordered he get a court-appointed lawyer. Bond was denied and the next hearing in the case was set for Sept. 8.

Authorities say rescue workers responded Sunday, Aug. 9 to the state's only IKEA store — in Wayne County's Canton Township — after Evelyn Patricia Legacy became unresponsive.

IKEA employees, who noticed the baby's lethargic state, called 911. At the scene, it was determined the child was suffering from severe respiratory problems, the Midland News reports. She was taken to St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, then airlifted to C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor where she died Friday.

An autopsy found Evelyn had a brain injury and fractures, and medical records indicate "the case is one of deliberate trauma," prosecutors said.

Authorities said that baby was with her mother and Watson at the store and investigators believe she'd been injured earlier at her Midland home.

A memorial service for Evelyn  will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2015 at the Gephart Funeral Home in Bay City.

Watson faces up to life in prison if convicted.

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