Kalamazoo County Man Charged In Midland Toddler Death
A Kalamazoo County man was arraigned Friday, September 20 in Midland County on murder charges for the death of a toddler.
Police say 23-year-old Damian Garrett of Augusta is responsible for the death of 21-month-old Skylar Papple. Garrett was in a relationship with the girl’s mother, according to police, and was home alone with the child giving her a bath on Tuesday, September 17 in the 5200 block of Hedgewood Drive. The girl suffered secondary head trauma and died due to drowning. Garrett ran from the house and flagged someone down to call 9-1-1.
Police arrived as first responders were attempting CPR. She was taken to MidMichigan Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. Garret is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree child abuse. He has a preliminary hearing October 15 and has been denied bond.