Banning Man Pleads Not Guilty To Murder, Torture, Assault

BANNING, CA — A 35-year-old Banning man accused in the death of his 2-year-old daughter, who died at a hospital just days after she came into his care, pleaded not guilty to murder, torture and assault charges Friday.

Dany Vidaury's daughter, identified by family members as Hennessy Vidaury, died last Tuesday at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital of "severe head and body trauma," according to Banning police, who said the girl had "head injuries and bruising throughout her body."

Officers were summoned to the hospital at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday, where they were informed by a hospital employee that the girl was not breathing, according to Banning police, who said Vidaury had been "the sole caretaker and person in contact with the 2-year old" beginning Nov. 1.

Detectives interviewed Viduary regarding the girl's injuries, but his "account of the incident did not coincide with evidence obtained by detectives," according to the Banning Police Department.

Viduary, who's is being held in lieu of $1 million bail, is due back in court Dec. 11 for a felony settlement conference.

A GoFundMe page has been created by the girl's family to raise money for funeral expenses.

"Her life was cut short due to her father's actions, the person who is suppose(d) to love and protect her took her away from her mother and loved ones, she didn't deserve to suffer the way she did till her last breath," the page reads.

Those who wish to donate to the family can visit https://www.gofundme.com/banning-2-year-old-toddler-tortured

— By City News Service / Booking photo via Banning PD / Photo of young girl via GoFundMe

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