Man accused in beating, death of boy pleads not guilty

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A man accused in the brutal beating and death of a five-year-old boy pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday, December 10th after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing.

25-year-old Darrell Rogers of Milwaukee is facing one count of first-degree reckless homicide in the case.

Police say the boy, identified as Damion Davis, was found dead in his apartment in the 1200 block of E. Singer Circle shortly before 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27th.

According to the criminal complaint, the mother told police she left the five-year-old boy with her boyfriend, later identified as Rogers, on Tuesday, November 26th while she went to work. The mother told police she worked from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

According to complaint, the mother returned home around 10:20 p.m. and checked on her son — who was lying in his bed under the covers. The complaint indicates the mother thought the boy was sleeping, and did not check on him further.

According to the complaint, the mother spoke with Rogers after checking on her son. During that time, Rogers allegedly told her that the boy had fallen in the shower and hit his head. The complaint indicates the mother then felt the boy’s head — but did not observe any injuries.

The next morning, police say the mother found the boy dead in his bed shortly before 8:00 a.m.

Following an autopsy, the Medical Examiner found that the boy suffered severe head and abdominal injuries. According to the complaint, the Medical Examiner determined that the head and abdominal injuries were a result of blunt force trauma, and ruled the death a homicide.

If convicted, Rogers could face up to 60 years in prison. He is due back in court on January 7th.

Related stories: