D'Andre Lane now charged in the murder of his 2-year-old daughter

DETROIT (WXYZ) - The father of missing two-year-old Bianca Jones has been arraigned on murder and child abuse charges in connection with the case.

During the hearing D'Andre Lane pleaded not guilty to First-Degree Felony Murder and First-Degree Felony Child Abuse.

His bond was set at $3 million.

Prosecuting Attorney Carin Goldfarb told the magistrate there are boxes of evidence that prove the 32-year-old father is guilty of the crimes.

Lane’s attorney Terry Johnson questions what type of evidence the prosecution has when the little girl’s body has not been found.   

“Can’t wait to see it.  I would love to go through it.  I would love to see how they built this case,” said Johnson.

The toddler has been missing since early December.

Lane’s oldest child, 17-year-old D’Andre Lane, Junior tearfully left court Thursday afternoon, after his father’s arraignment.  He has hope his little sister is still alive but is fearful about his father’s future. 

“Everybody has negative opinions of my dad,” said Lane, Junior.  “In my heart I know my daddy did not do that to my sister because he loved us all.”

Lane's attorney asked that his client be placed in protective custody while he remains in jail. “I’m worried about his safety I don’t want anything to happen to Mr. Lane.”

The magistrate said he would put in the request to the jail, but that it would have to be determined at the facility.

Meanwhile, the toddler’s mother, Banika Jones has not given up hope that her missing daughter will come home.

“It’s been heart breaking but every day that she has been missing has been heartbreaking.  All I can do is really pray and that’s what I’ve been doing,” said Jones.

News that the little girl’s father has been charged with the murder of her daughter has been hard to take.  Lane had told police he was carjacked by two men when his daughter disappeared. 

Investigators did not buy his story.

“I’ve never seen any implication of violence in him.  Never.  I don’t feel like I can comment any more at this time,” said Jones. “I’m going to let things play out in court as they should.”

Lane will be back in court in April.