A Detroit man has been charged in the sexual assault and murder of his 8-month-old daughter at an Inkster hotel last week.
James Saltmarshall, 22, is charged with felony murder, first degree child abuse and first degree criminal sexual conduct in the death of the 8-month-old girl.
According to police, they were called to a hotel in the 2600 block of Michigan on Thursday afternoon after the infant was found unresponsive.
The girl's mother told police she left Saltmarshall with the 8-month-old girl while she went for work and the child was in good health.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy says Saltmarshall killed the girl by causing trauma to her head. Rectal tearing was also found on the girl. She died from her injuries on Sunday.
They say Saltmarshall has changed his story several times as to what happened to his daughter.
At first he said he fell asleep with her, woke up to use the bathroom, and when he came back she wouldn't wake up. But doctors tell detectives the trauma is consistent with sexual abuse.
Saltmarshall was arraigned on those charges Monday and given a $2 million cash/surety bond.
