JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A Navy man accused last year in the death of his 3-month-old daughter was reindicted on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse and is slated to go on trial next week.
David Vesey, 38, was arrested in February 2007 after his daughter, Alexis Kayla King, died at Wolfson's Children's Hospital.
Doctors, who said they suspected the baby's injuries were consistent with shaken baby syndrome, called police. Detectives questioned both parents and searched the family's apartment on Plantation Bay Drive, just off Collins Road on the Westside.
Police said Vesey initially denied any wrongdoing, but then admitted he shook the baby because she was crying.
Vesey was released on bond set by Judge John Merritt, but was arrested Thursday afternoon at his home after the new indictment. At Monday morning's arraignment, Merritt criticized the state attorney's office for having Vesey arrested without informing Vesey's attorney or giving the defendant the chance to turn himself in.
Vesey was ordered held without bond on the new murder charge. Vesey's lawyers requested a new bond be set, a request that was taken under advisement by Merritt.
Vesey has invoked his right to a speedy trial as his wife -- who is also in the Navy -- is going on deployment soon and will be a witness for the defense. Jury selection in the case is set for May 5.
Channel 4's Laura Mazzeo is learning more about Monday's developments in the case. She'll have complete reports on the local station beginning at 5 p.m.