Man accused of killing Randolph County child appears in court

A murder trial is set for a man accused of killing a child in Randolph County.

Joseph Laswell, 23, of Clark appeared in court Wednesday, charged with second-degree murder in the death of 18-month-old Jayden Bradds in November.

Laswell is accused of abusing his girlfriend’s child, which led to Jayden Bradds’ death.

Jayden’s family were very emotional while watching Laswell’s court appearance and said they want to get justice for Jayden.

“I think the hardest part sitting in court watching him, he shows no remorse, no emotions for what the had done to an innocent child,” said Jayden’s aunt, Ashley Redelfs.

In court documents, Laswell admitted to getting angry with Jayden after the child picked up a call on his cell phone. Laswell then allegedly pushed the child, causing Jayden to hit his head.

“We still don’t know all the answers,” said Jayden’s aunt, Dianna McGee. “But he’s admitted just to hitting him and various things. In my mind he’s responsible, he’s responsible for it.”

Laswell is facing second-degree murder, child abuse and assault charges.

“Hopefully at the trial, they’ll see that he is guilty and we get the justice [Jayden] deserves,” said Redelfs.

The judge set a trial date for October.