Daniel A. Torres
SPRINGFIELD- Daniel Torres, the Westfield man accused of being responsible for the death of his eight-month-old daughter last July, pleaded not guilty in Hampden Superior Court Thursday
Torres, 28, of 14 Parker Avenue Apartment 3, Westfield is being held in lieu of $1 million bail following the plea. He faces murder charges stemming from an incident last summer in which he claimed to have slapped his daughter in a fit of frustration, according to police. Several hours later, Torres called police to report that his daughter was unresponsive and not breathing. She was brought to Baystate Noble Hospital after being resuscitated at least eight times. She died two days later after doctors told police she had almost no brain function and little hope of survival.
Medical staff at Baystate Noble Hospital reported that she had “significant swelling of the brain, retinal hemorrhages and bruises to her face that were consistent with abuse trauma.” Westfield Detective Richard Mazza said that she “was struck with such force that several hours later marks consistent with a hand print were easily seen on the victims (sic) face.” Mazza added that Torres tried to comfort his daughter and put her down for a nap, hours before calling 911.
Lily Anayah Torres
Torres was originally arraigned in Westfield District Court, but the court does not have jurisdiction for the charge of assault and battery on a child, or murder, so it will now be adjudicated in Hampden Superior Court. The original charges faced by Torres in Westfield District Court were assault and battery on a child with substantial injury, assault and battery, reckless endangerment of a child and intimidating a witness, juror, police or court official.
When Torres first contacted police, he claimed the injuries his daughter suffered were accidental, resulting from him playing with her.
Torres’ attorney said that he will argue for a decreased bail in a future court hearing.
