03/13/2009

Associated Press

An 18-year-old is charged with killing a St. Louis-area infant who was found dead with severe injuries after she was left in his care.

Anthony O'Neal of Riverview was charged Friday with first-degree murder and was being held in St. Louis County on a $250,000 bond.

Sgt. Tracy Panus said county police were called to a Riverview residence Thursday. She said the baby's mother was not home at the time the 14-month-old died, but was present when police arrived.

Relatives tell KTVI-TV that the 18-year-old was the mother's boyfriend who was supposed to be watching the child. Authorities have not released the baby's name or details of her injuries.