Capital murder charge filed in baby’s death

ITAWAMBA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – An Itawamba County man was charged with Capital Murder in connection with the death of a four month old baby girl.

Itawamba County Sheriff Chris Dickinson said the case began Tuesday as a medical emergency.

“We received a 911 call in the Tremont area.  When we got there the child was lifeless, though still breathing. The child was taken to Amory hospital, then to LeBonheur, child was on life support until a short time ago,” said Sheriff Dickinson.

Randy Dale Junior, 35, was charged with Capital Murder in the child’s death.

Sheriff Dickinson said Junior’s wife was babysitting the infant, and left him alone with the child for a short time when the fatal injuries allegedly occurred.

“The babysitter had left the residence to go to a store, when she got back she saw the emergency, crisis situation at hand and called 911 ,” said Dickinson.

Sheriff Dickinson said the babysitter is distraught and will not face any charges.

Sheriff Dickinson said the infant suffered head trauma and may have had other injuries. He said cases like this take a heavy toll on law enforcement, who will do all they can to make sure justice is served.

“It’s sad, it’s not like somebody jumping on me, I can defend myself, but you have a four month, old, it leaves me kind of speechless, these types of crimes, I can’t wrap my head around why you would want to do that to a four month old,” said Sheriff Dickinson.

Junior was ordered held without bond during his initial appearance. The case will go to the next Itawamba County Grand Jury.

Sheriff Dickinson said Randy Dale Junior has no prior criminal record.

The capital murder charge carries a potential death penalty if Junior is convicted.