Boone County prosecutors upgrade charge to murder in baby’s death

Boone County prosecutors upgrade a charge against a Columbia man accused in the death of a baby in March on Friday afternoon.

According to public records, 20-year-old Cortavia Emon Smith was charged with felony second-degree murder in the death of his six-month-old daughter.

Smith was previously charged in March with endangering the welfare of a child – creating a substantial risk.

An arraignment hearing is scheduled for Smith at 1:30 p.m. Monday. A criminal setting hearing is also scheduled for Smith at 5 p.m. Monday.

Smith is accused of killing the baby girl on March 12.

According to court documents obtained by ABC 17 News, Smith told investigators that he accidentally kicked the baby at a home in the 200 block of Switzler Street.

He took the child, who was in cardiac arrest, to a nearby gas station where another family member was located before the baby was taken to the hospital, where doctors pronounced the girl dead.

Police said officers found the child had bruises on her chest and head.