Man Charged In Sexual Assault And Murder Of Baby Girl

A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged for the rape and murder of a baby girl in Inkster, Detroit.

The Wayne County Prosecutor Office says the 8-month-old victim was left alone with  James Saltmarshall at a hotel on Michigan Ave., near Inkster Road, last Thursday. The mother says that when she left for work that morning, the baby was in good health.

Later that afternoon, police and EMS were called to the hotel by Saltmarshall who had reported the infant was unresponsive. The girl was taken to a local hospital where she died on Sunday, police said.

It’s believed she died from trauma to her head, as well as injuries from a sexual assault.

The accused was arraigned in 22nd District Court Monday on one count of felony murder, one count of first degree child abuse and one count of first degree criminal sexual conduct.

Bond has been set at $2 million cash or surety.