Gwinnett Father Charged With Murder In Daughter's Killing

BETHLEHEM, GA — A day after police charged a woman with murder in connection with her 8-year-old step-daughter's death, Gwinnett County Police say the girl's father is now facing charges.

Police said Thursday they have charged Cledir Barros on suspicion of second-degree cruelty to children and second-degree murder after his wife was accused of killing the young girl Tuesday at their Vine Springs Trace home.

Natiela Barros, the girl's stepmother, was previously charged on suspicion of first-degree cruelty to children, aggravated assault, felony murder and malice murder, police said.

While police have not identified a cause of death for the girl, Fox 5 reported Thursday Natiela Barros was accused of beating her to death with a wooden rolling pin.

Cledir Barros was booked around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday into the Gwinnett County Jail, where he remained Thursday without bond.

The child's identity has not been released pending next-of-kin notification.