MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) — A judge has ordered a trial for a Muskegon man charged with murder and child abuse in the drowning death of his 14-month-old daughter.
Justin Smutz, 32, waived his preliminary examination scheduled for Thursday. A judge bound over Smutz for trial on charges of open murder and second-degree child abuse.
Authorities say Adalynn Smutz died May 25 after being left unattended in a bathtub with a two-year-old boy identified as Smutz’s son. Investigators say Smutz told them he placed the children in about 10 inches of water and went outside to get a cigarette.
Police say Smutz told them he returned and attempted to revive Adalynn and called 911.
The Associated Press contributed to this story
