LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville man charged with murder after police said he pushed his 5-year-old son down the stairs to his death appeared in court for the first time Saturday morning.
Laron Gardner Jr., 24, is charged with murder (domestic violence), criminal abuse of a child 12 or under and fourth-degree assault (child abuse).
According to the arrest citation, police said 5-year-old Elious Rayne had "numerous severe injuries to multiple areas of his body which caused his death," injuries that were "consistent with the child being assaulted."
Police said the investigation revealed Gardner, the victim's father, was alone with the boy and his 4-year-old sister. According to the arrest citation, Gardner kicked, slammed and bit his 5-year-old son before pushing him down the stairs. The 4-year-old girl also told police her father kicked her in the chest as she laid on the floor.
In court Saturday, a not guilty plea was entered for Gardner and a judge set a $1 million cash bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 15.
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