KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A trial is underway for a Kalamazoo man charged with the death of an 11-month child.
34-year-old Bryant Rolland Jr. was apparently babysitting Jaceyon Downing, his 3-year-old brother, and 6 of his own children at his apartment on West Vine Street in April of 2017 when he claimed that the older sibling pushed Jaceyon down the stairs.
The infant was rushed to Bronson Hospital where he later died.
The Medical Examiner testified that the infant died from several blows to the head, not the kind that would be received in a fall or by accident.
Rolland later changed his story saying he passed out while holding the infant and fell down the stairs.
He is charged with 1st degree child abuse and felony murder.
Opening statements wrapped up on Wednesday and the first witness will take the stand Thursday.
