Family of man accused of killing 3-year-old niece says he loved his family

Emanuel Flutur is facing charges of killing his 3-year-old niece Josephine Bulubenchi and attacking his brother-in-law. It happened inside the family's home on Beaty Creek Road in rural Clinton County early Saturday morning, and are actions foreign to his family and those he grew up with.

“I want people to know that he loved his nieces and loved his nephews," said Dariu Flutur, the suspect's brother. "He loved us. He loved me and his sister.”

Flutur's court-appointed attorney entered a plea of not guilty on all charges Tuesday. Relatives say it's unreal what has happened to their close-knit Christian family in the last few days from the actions of a man they say has had mental health problems.

"He has a mental condition that he suffers with since he was in the army," said Dariu. "It's tough for us to understand. Because of what happened."

Flutur is accused of taking the life of Josephine Bulubenchi, also known as “Bay-Bay,” one of his sister's nine children.

Police say five children were in the bedroom early Saturday morning when relatives say something went haywire in Flutur's mind, and Josephine was hurt, and then died Sunday night at UK Hospital.

“I forgive him as his older brother," said Dariu. "And my sister told me to write in my letter that she forgives him, my brother-in-law forgives him. My nieces and nephews ask about him and they forgive him.”

Flutur remains in jail on million dollars bond. He will be back in court on December 18th.

The family says they have been overwhelmed with the support that has been shown them. A

page to help with funeral and travel expenses for Josephine has raised more than $40,000 in just a few days.