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3-year-old NYC girl’s beating death ruled homicide

JAKE PEARSON
Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — A medical examiner says a 3-year-old New York City girl who police say was fatally beaten by her stepfather died of blunt impact injuries to her head and torso.

Spokeswoman Julie Bolcer says Monday that Jeida Torres’ death was ruled a homicide.

Prosecutors in Brooklyn say her 20-year-old stepfather, Kelsey Smith, will be charged with second-degree murder. He hasn’t yet been arraigned.

Police say the girl’s 5-year-old brother told detectives Smith kicked Jeida (JAY’-duh), banged her head against a bed frame and then choked her after she soiled her diaper.

Police say the boy also was assaulted Saturday in a Brooklyn homeless facility. He’s been hospitalized.

Smith was hospitalized Monday after allegedly attempting to slit his wrists. It wasn’t clear if he had an attorney.

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