Accused baby killer held without bail

NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) - The Newport man suspected of viciously beating to death his newborn daughter is now officially facing murder charges. Rachin McCoy, 21, was arraigned Tuesday morning in Newport District Court.  He did not enter a plea, and was ordered held without bail.

Six-week-old Naomi McCoy died last Friday, days after she was brought to Hasbro Children's Hospital with skull fractures and broken ribs.

Her father was initially charged with first-degree child abuse, but those charges were dropped during the Tuesday court proceedings, and replaced with a first-degree murder charge.

The state medical examiner said Naomi died from blunt-force injuries to her head, torso, legs and arms.  McCoy first told police his daughter was hurt by falling off the couch.

More than a dozen people were in the courtroom Tuesday, to support McCoy.  His friends insist prosecutors have the case all wrong. 

"I''ve been around him my whole life, I know he wouldn't do that," one supporter told Eyewitness News outside the courthouse.  Another insists McCoy will be exonerated. "All the evidence ain't out there yet.  It's gonna get down to the bottom,  and then when the truth comes out, 'told ya,' innocent man right there."

The child's mother was not in court for Tuesday's arraignment.  She is not being identified by police.

Prosecutors tell Eyewitness News they are not ruling out the possibility of additional charges in connection with the deadly beating.

Rachin McCoy is due back in Newport Superior Court Feb. 10, and then again on Feb. 17 for a bail hearing.