Man Appears in Court for Abuse

The man charged in connection with the death of a Clark infant appeared in court Tuesday.Joseph Laswell, 23, was arraigned on charges of felony child abuse and felony second degree domestic assault.According to court documents obtained by ABC 17 News, an investigation through the Missouri State Highway Patrol showed that Laswell was at home with 18-month-old Jayden Bradds on Saturday, November 10th. Laswell initially told investigators that the child had tripped over a toy and struck his head on a table.However, officials say Laswell later admitted to becoming upset when the child picked up his cell phone. Laswell allegedly pushed the child forcibly, causing him to strike his head on the floor. He then spanked the infant and purposely dropped the phone on the child’s forehead.Jayden Bradds was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Investigators found bruises and abrasions on the child’s body.Laswell remains in the Randolph County Jail on a $250,000 cash-only bond. Laswell is scheduled to appear in court on November 19th. Additional charges could be possible.