Man charged with infant’s death arraigned in Moniteau County

A man charged in the July death of his infant son was arraigned in Moniteau County court Tuesday morning.

Christopher Buxton is facing second degree murder charges for the death.

The infant died at MU’s Women’s and Children’s hospital after he became unresponsive while under Buxton’s care. His wife, Mary Buxton, was not home at the time.

Buxton will have a bond hearing next Tuesday morning. Moniteau County prosecutor Shayne Healea said in court Tuesday that he had some concerns about Buxton should he make bond.

Buxton is originally from Oklahoma, and moved to Columbia in 2013. Healea suggested Tuesday he could be a flight risk.

Buxton’s brother-in-law and sister-in-law were in the courtroom Tuesday but according to the prosecutor, they were not there in support of Buxton.

Buxton’s preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 4.

According to court documents, a Columbia pediatrician saw the child in early July for a large bruise on his back. The doctor admitted she told Mary Buxton not to report the bruise because doing so could lead to an investigation.

Healea said Tuesday the pediatrician would not be charged in Moniteau County, so ABC17 News will continue to check into whether that doctor could be charged for not reporting suspected child abuse.