Deputy Coroner Says Child Died From Multiple Blunt Force

Posted: Fri 10:30 AM, Aug 31, 2007

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (AP) - A report by Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Sam Weakley says a six-year-old Elizabethtown boy died this week from repeated, punishing blows from a hand, fist and possibly a belt.

First-grader Mar'riel Lucas died Wednesday morning at Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisville.

The boyfriend of the child's mother was charged with murder Wednesday afternoon. Antwan Hayes, 22, pleaded not guilty Thursday in Hardin District Court. Police say Hayes confessed to beating the boy sometime before midnight Tuesday while the boy's mother, Danial (DAN'-yell) Lucas, was at work. The criminal complaint against Hayes claims he neglected to help the boy after striking him.

Hayes was lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center in lieu of a $500,000 full cash bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 24th. He has requested a public defender as counsel.

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