What to Know
- A Connecticut man has been charged with hurting an 8-month-old girl
- She was brought to the hospital with leg and skull fractures
- Austin Higley pleaded not guilty, saying the dogs might have hurt the baby
A Connecticut man charged with injuring an 8-month-old in his care told investigators the baby was hurt by the family dogs, or in a fall from a couch, authorities said.
Austin Higley, 24, of Torrington, was freed on $10,000 bond after pleading not guilty Monday to charges including risk of injury to a child, the Republican American reported.
Police started investigating in August when the girl was brought to the hospital with leg and skull fractures.
He denies causing the girl's injuries.
Under police questioning, Higley said three dogs, including a German shepherd and a Labrador retriever, may have knocked the child over while playing. He also said that she could have fallen the 20 inches from the couch.
The girl has been placed in a relative's custody. Messages were left with Higley's attorney.
