Beaten newborn dies from injuries

NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) - A 6-week-old Newport baby who police say was assaulted by her father earlier this week died from her injuries at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence Friday.

According to Sgt. John Barker of the Newport Police Department, the newborn succumbed to her injuries at 12:01 p.m.

Barker said the case, which he called disturbing, is now a homicide investigation.

"I'm the father of three, it's upsetting," Barker said.

The baby's 21-year-old father, Rachin McCoy, has already been charged with first-degree child abuse and is being held without bail. More serious charges are likely to follow in light of the baby 's death, Barker said.

The infant was brought to Hasbro Children's Hospital Tuesday, where doctors discovered she had skull fractures and two broken ribs.

Police have not said how the injuries occurred, but they arrested McCoy after interviewing him. McCoy had told investigators the baby was hurt after falling off the couch.

The baby's mother was also questioned, but investigators said they don't believe she was home at the time.

McCoy has previous convictions from unrelated cases, including drug and assault charges.