Autopsy: Henderson toddler died of head injuries

A Henderson toddler whose stepfather is accused of abusing her died of "non-accidental" head injuries, according to an autopsy report released Tuesday.

Destini Bullock, who was 18 months old, had a large bruise and cuts on her left cheek, face and eyelid and hemorrhages in both eyes, the report states. The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was blunt-force trauma.

Destini's stepfather, Dontavious Washington, 23, was charged with felony child abuse inflicting serious injury after her death on May 20. Earlier, police said they expected to file homicide charges in the case.

Police said that Destini went into cardiac arrest at her family's house at 130 Booth Ave. early May 19. EMS workers to her to Maria Parham Medical Center in Henderson, then UNC Children's Hospital in Chapel Hill, where she died.

Initially, authorities were told that Destini was sleeping in the arms of a male caregiver, who became startled, jumped out of bed and dropped her, according to medical documents.