Father Accused In Suffication Death Of Infant In Highlands Ranch

DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO -- A Highlands Ranch man was arrested Thursday and is being held on $25,000 bond for the death of his three-month-old daughter in May, 2017. A grand jury indictment charged James Howatt, 26, with child abuse knowingly or recklessly causing the death of his daughter Aliah. Howatt was arrested Jan. 10 by Douglas Co. sheriff's deputies at his home in the 5300 block of Hospitality Place, a press release from the sheriff's office said.

On May 10, 2017, sheriff's deputies responded to a call of an infant not breathing at Howatt's address. Aliah Howatt was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

An arrest affidavit said Howatt left the baby unattended on her stomach with a pacifier in her mouth and took phone calls in another room.

A Douglas Co. grand jury was convened in Dec., 2017 to determine if James Howatt should be charged with the death of his daughter. An indictment was released and a warrant was issued Jan 10 for Howatt's arrest, a statement from the sheriff's office said.

Howatt is currently being held at the Douglas County Detentions Center.

This story is breaking. More updates will follow on Patch.com

Image: James Howatt via Douglas Co. Sheriff's office