LEXINGTON, Mo. — A 24-year-old father accused of killing his infant daughter appeared in court Wednesday morning with a public defender to represent him.
Alex Gilbert appeared in Lafayette County court to face the second-degree murder charges related to the death of his 10-week-old daughter named Brenlee Gilbert.
Authorities say Brenlee died earlier this month after suffering a fractured skull and brain damage.
Lafayette County deputies were called to the baby’s home on Linn Road back on May 17th because Brenlee was reportedly unresponsive and having trouble breathing.
The baby’s mother told investigators she left the girl with her father for about an hour. She says when she returned the baby was asleep.The child slept for about 12 hours, which was unusual and the mother reported that she didn’t drink much formula. By 6 p.m. the next day the mother told detectives the baby was gasping for air.
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Detectives say Gilbert reportedly was angry that the child’s mother left his baby with him. When FOX 4 News talked with her earlier this month, she declined to appear on camera because she had two black eyes. Court documents say Gilbert punched the mother in the ribs and threw a phone at her forehead. Others told detectives they saw Gilbert toss the infant in the air.
As Gilbert entered court in shackles, his public defender presented a judge with two motions in the case. Those motions will be considered at a hearing scheduled for June 12th at 1 p.m.
Gilbert remains in custody on $500,000 bond.
