Arthur Hapgood has been charged with the murder of his 1 year old niece.
An infant was killed Monday night on Park Street and her uncle has been charged with her murder, Bristol police have reported.
Zaniyah Calloway, 1, was transported by Bristol EMS to Bristol Hospital and then flown by Life Star Helicopter to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center after receiving a serious laceration to her mid-section. Efforts to save her life were unsuccessful and she died as a result of her injuries.
Arthur Hapgood, 36 of Waterbury, was taken into custody without incident. He was charged with murder with special circumstances (victim under 16 years of age), reckless endangerment in the first degree and risk of injury to a minor. Police said the last two charges stem from the fact that an 11-year-old child was present during the incident, but was not injured, said police.
Hapgood is being held on a $1.5 million bond and was due in Bristol Superior Court today, Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Police said during their investigation they learned Hapgood is the uncle of Zaniyah and was babysitting her at the time of the incident.
Police said they were dispatched at 7:18 p.m. to a reported disturbance at 211 Park St. Police said a 911 caller reported that a baby had been injured. Upon their arrival, officers were met by a resident running toward them carrying a small child. The child, Zaniyah, was provided medical attention by officers immediately, police reported.
Police said additional officers arriving on scene were told that the suspected perpetrator of Zaniyah’s injuries, Hapgood, was still in the residence. As officers approached the house, the suspect came out onto the porch, said police.
Hapgood then was transported to Bristol Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, said police. Hapgood then was transported to the Bristol Police Department where he was processed and charged.