Michigan Man Charged With Child Abuse, Torture After His Girlfriend’s 3-Year-Old Daughter Dies

A 29-year-old man in Michigan has been charged with two counts of felony child abuse and torture following the death of his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter.

Samuel Smart was arrested by Michigan state police on Saturday after the death of Trinity Chandler. Smart was accused of hitting the child who was found injured at the home he shared with his girlfriend in Groveland Township.

The toddler was receiving medical treatment when the emergency officials arrived, but was later pronounced dead from her injuries, ABC12 reported.

The cause of death has not been revealed by the officials, but the charges against Smart are expected to increase after the medical examination reports are out. The Michigan state police also informed the court they received a video of child abuse.

The victim’s family said the toddler had severe bruises and internal bleeding at the time of her death, reported local news outlet Click On Detroit.

The Child Protective Services reportedly did a welfare check on the toddler on Friday and had observed the abuse. After the toddler's death, her family accused the government agency of not acting on the case.

“They failed her. They failed her big time, There were two black eyes, there was a bruise on her cheek -- CPS closed the case,” a family member said, Click On Detroit reported.

The victim’s grandmother, Christine Cunningham, said her daughter who was working night shift at a nursing home received a text from Smart on Saturday morning, which said the child was unresponsive and not waking up. He also texted her saying that he was taking the child to fire department.

“There’s something wrong,” Cunningham said. “Why not call 911 and have the ambulance come there?”

The Michigan State police have not revealed details about the death or the suspect as investigation is underway.

The family is devastated by the loss of their lively innocent toddler who “loved everybody”.

“Why would he take her away from us? Why would he do something like that?” the victim’s grandmother said, reported local news outlet The Detroit News.

Smart was arraigned to court on Dec. 22 and was denied bond. He remains at the Oakland County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 4.