Former Havreite accused of murdering toddler in California

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — Authorities have charged a Havre High School graduate now living in Southern California with murder in the death of his girlfriend’s 17-month-old daughter.

The Orange County District Attorney’s office said Friday that 28-year-old Christopher David Recio of San Clemente, 28, was charged with murder and assault on a child likely to produce great bodily injury.

Prosecutors say Recio killed the baby on Jan. 5 by causing blunt-force trauma to her head. They provided no additional details.

Orange police Sgt. Phil McMullin says the girl was Recio’s girlfriend’s daughter and he was watching her at the time.

Online jail records show Recio was arrested Wednesday and is being held on $1 million bond. It’s unclear if he has an attorney.

Authorities say Recio appeared in court and his arraignment was postponed to Feb. 8.

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Havre Daily News staff contributed to this report.