MUSKEGON, Mich. — A Muskegon man has been denied bond after being charged with murder in connection with the drowning death of his 14-month-old daughter.
Justin Smutz was arraigned Thursday on charges of open murder and second-degree child abuse. Police say Adalynn Smutz died May 25 in a Muskegon home after being left unattended in a bathtub with a two-year-old boy.
Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Hilson says that the children were left unattended for a “significant” amount of time.
“I think it’s important that any parent recognizes that young children need to be supervised at all times,” Hilson said. “Kids always have to be under the watchful eye of a parent. They can never be left alone in hopes they will be able to survive on their own.”
It’s not clear if he has an attorney.
Investigators saySmutz previously has been convicted of several domestic violence charges and other crimes.
It’s not clear if Smutz has an attorney. His next court hearing has been scheduled for June 16.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
