Soldier Charged With Murder After Child Dies

A Fort Bragg soldier is now charged with second degree murder in connection with Tuesday's death of a 3-year-old boy.

Police say Arnold Hicks, 31, was babysitting Colton Muskrat when the boy suffered severe head injuries, a broken arm and bruised buttocks. Officers say the toddler also had bite marks on his body.

Hicks told police he was rough-housing with the child when his injuries occured, and that the child had struck his head on a wooden bed rail. He also said he had taken the boy to his apartment to bathe him and wash his clothes after the child fell into a mud puddle.

Sgt. Tim Hayworth of the Fayetteville Police Department says the evidence indicates otherwise.

Hicks remains in jail on a $45,000 bond.