Melfort, Sask., man charged with 2nd-degree murder in death of a baby

A man has been charged with second-degree murder after the death of a baby in Melfort, Sask.

Police responded to a residence on Dec. 24 after they received a report of a baby in medical distress, according to a news release Monday from the Saskatchewan RCMP. Melfort is about 160 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon.

The baby, who was under a year of age, was found unresponsive and taken to hospital. The baby died from its injuries four days later, on Dec. 28, police said.

Police determined the injuries were suspicious. The RCMP homicide investigation unit and the Prince Albert serious crimes unit took over the investigation.

On Saturday, a 37-year-old man was arrested in Melfort and charged with one count of second-degree murder, police said.

Police said in the news release they are not releasing the name of the baby or the accused, in anticipation there could be a publication ban. The accused and baby were "known to each other," police said.

The man was scheduled to appear in Melfort provincial court on Monday.