Trial starts for man accused of assaulting, killing infant

RIPLEY, W.Va. – The mother of an infant girl who died after being sexually assaulted nearly three years ago has testified she found her then-boyfriend shirtless and kneeling over the naked, injured child with his pants unbuttoned.

News outlets report Amanda Adkins took the stand Wednesday to testify against Benjamin Taylor during the first day of his trial on charges of sexually assaulting and killing 10-month-old Emmaleigh Elizabeth Barringer.

Adkins says the baby was cold to the touch and making a gurgling sound when she found her with Taylor. She said she asked Taylor what he was doing, then hit him, took the baby and called 911. Barringer died two days later after her family removed her from life support.

Taylor’s defence attorney said he would present evidence that excludes Taylor as the person responsible for the attack.