Charges Upgraded in Infant's Death

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) _ A prosecutor has upgraded the charge against a North Haven man accused in the death of his four-month old niece to first degree manslaughter.
     Senior Assistant State's Attorney Brian Sibley Sr. announced the new charge against David Canizares on Friday. Canizares was ordered held on $1 million bail.
     Canizares had previously pleaded not guilty to charges including first degree reckless endangerment in Makayla Lynn Masella's death.
     According to the arrest warrant, Canizares told police he sharply swung the baby, snapping her head. Later, Canizares said the baby suffered a four-inch fall. But medical officials said the baby's injuries were too severe to have been caused in such a short fall.
     Defense attorney Ben Gettinger said Canizares's family was supporting him, and trying to raise bail.

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     Information from: New Haven Register, http://www.nhregister.com

     (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)