Detroit Man Charged With Murder, Sexual Abuse Of Infant

DETROIT, MI — A 22-year-old Detroit man has been been charged in connection with the death of an eight-month-old infant. James Lee Saltmarshall was arraigned Monday in 22nd District Court on charges of felony murder, child abuse first degree and criminal sexual conduct first degree, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

On Thursday, Saltmarshall was alone with the infant girl in an Inkster motel in the 2600 block of Michigan Avenue while her mother was at work in the morning, Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s office said in a news release. At approximately 4:23 p.m. Thursday, Inkster police were called to the hotel by Saltmarshall and they assisted the fire department in taking the unresponsive infant to a local hospital for treatment.

These charges were dismissed June 29. Read more.

Worthy alleges that Salmarshall killed the infant by causing trauma to her head. Rectal tearing was also observed on the child by authorities. The infant died Sunday from her injuries, authorities said. The infant’s mother told police the girl was in good health when she left for work.

A probable cause conference for Saltmarshall is scheduled for Wednesday before 22nd District Court Judge Sabrina Johnson. He received a $2 Million dollar cash/surety bond at his arraignment.

Photo courtesy of the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.