'Baby Doe' Death -- Boyfriend Of Bella Bond's Mother Punched Toddler Who Was Found Dead In June: Report

The man charged with murder in connection with the death of Bella Bond, the Boston 2-year-old previously known as “Baby Doe,” allegedly punched the toddler, thinking she was possessed, CNN reported. Law enforcement officials said it was still unclear whether the punches killed Bella, whose body was found in a trash bag on Deer Island, Massachusetts, in June, according to the report.

Michael McCarthy, the boyfriend of Bella’s mother, Rachelle Bond, was charged with murder Friday. Rachelle Bond was charged with accessory to murder in connection with the death of her daughter, whose identity had stumped law enforcement officials for months until this week.

Police have not commented on the possible motive that led to Bella’s death. Her identity was unknown to police until someone close to the girl’s family tipped off police, saying that when she asked Bond where her daughter was, Bond said she was taken away by the Department of Children and Families.