A Roseville man has been accused of abusing and murdering his girlfriend's 4-year-old daughter.
Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith charged Jonathan Jones with Felony Murder and Child Abuse, First Degree for the death of Ivy Yurkus.
Police and prosecutors believe the extreme abuse and trauma took place May 3 after her biological mother, Amanda Yurkus, went to work at Outback Steakhouse, leaving Jones home alone with Ivy and her two step-siblings.
It is believed that Jones committed the acts at that time, rendering Ivy unresponsive and in medical distress, police say.
Jones then allegedly drove the three children to Outback Steakhouse rather than calling 911.
The Roseville Fire Department responded to a 911 call from Outback Steakhouse where they discovered Ivy in dire need of medical assistance.
She was rushed to St. John Hospital in Detroit and passed away the following morning.
"The abuse inflicted on this young child by her mother's boyfriend is beyond reprehensible," Smith said. "The loss of this child's life strikes each one of us at the heart. More must be done to end the cycle of child abuse."
"If you witness a child being abused, mistreated, or malnourished, I urge you to call the toll-free 24 hour State of Michigan Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 855-444-3911.”
Smith said his office prides itself in fighting for the most vulnerable victims.
"After all, it shouldn't hurt to be a child."
