Memphis man charged in beating death of girlfriend’s child

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - A Tennessee man has been charged in the beating death of his girlfriend’s 23-month-old daughter, prosecutors said.

Victor P. Williams, 28, has been indicted on charges including first-degree murder in the perpetration of aggravated child abuse in Lanniah Anderson’s death in Memphis, the Shelby County district attorney’s office said Wednesday.

Williams’ girlfriend had left the girl and her two young brothers in his care when she went to work on May 28, 2020, prosecutors said.

Later that day, investigators were called to a hospital, where Lanniah died of blunt force injuries, authorities said.

Williams told investigators he was preparing breakfast when he noticed the girl was in her crib and not responding, prosecutors said.

Williams called 911 and said he did not know what happened to the girl, prosecutors said.

Williams is jailed without bond. It’s unclear whether Williams had an attorney who would comment on his behalf.