RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - A senior airman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base is now charged with murder after a baby he was accused of assaulting died.
James Cunningham, 26, of Rapid City was charged Thursday with second-degree murder, Lara Roetzel, chief deputy at the Pennington County State’s Attorney Office, told the Rapid City Journal.
Cunningham earlier was charged with aggravated child abuse. The charge was upgraded after authorities say the baby died.
Police said someone called 911 on March 3 to report the baby was unresponsive at a Rapid City home. The baby initially was taken to a hospital in Rapid City, then was airlifted to a hospital in Sioux Falls.
Law enforcement learned Thursday that the child had died.
Cunningham remains in the Pennington County Jail on a $10,000 cash-only bond. He is expected back in court March 19.
Base officials say the incident occurred off base and that they are assisting law enforcement agencies with the investigation.
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