Man Charged in Fatal Stabbing of 1-Year-Old Niece: 'Why Would You Do This?' Says Uncle
A man was charged in the fatal stabbing of his 1-year-old niece Tuesday. Arthur Hapgood of Waterbury, Connecticut is accused of viciously lacerating the young girl while he was babysitting her Monday night, and now authorities have set his bail at $2.5 million.
The man who fatally stabbed his 1-year-old niece, Zaniyah Calloway, had been watching her and another 11-year-old child at a home in Bristol when the incident occurred. Authorities received a call about Calloway's injuries and arrived at the home to find her abdomen sliced open and bleeding profusely. Paramedics treated her at Bristol Hospital and then at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford, but she succumbed to her injuries, according to the Associated Press.
Hapgood, 36, came out of the Bristol house naked and was arrested after being treated for unknown injuries. He has been charged with murder with special circumstances, reckless endangerment and risk of injury to a minor.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The man has refused to talk with police, leaving a motive for the brutal stabbing unclear.
Hapgood was arraigned Tuesday in Bristol Superior Court and the judge set his bail at $2.5 million. During his appearance, another uncle of Calloway, Juan Negro, screamed at Hapgood, demanding to know his reasons for killing the baby.
"I just want justice," he said. "Why would you do this to a baby girl?"
Hapgood was previously sentenced to four years in prison for drug charges in 2008 and is currently on probation, according to the Associated Press.
His lawyer has refused to comment on the case.
