Man charged with murder after assaulting 4-year-old with Down Syndrome for interrupting: Sheriff

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (FOX 11) - A Rancho Cucamonga man has been charged with murder after he allegedly assaulted a 4-year-old girl with Down Syndrome for interrupting him, ultimately resulting in her death, authorities said.

Adam Hughes, 24, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 4-year-old Kylee Willis.

According to investigators, Huges was watching his girlfriend's children on Tuesday night, when, at some point, Willis angered Hughes by interrupting him. Authorities said Hughes assaulted Willis and then put her to bed.

Several hours later, Hughes noticed the child was non-responsive and that her fingers and lips had turned blue. Authorities said the then called his girlfriend, Corrine Blake, for help.

Blake called 911 at approximately 7:56 p.m. Tuesday. Paramedics arrived and transported the 4-year-old to San Antonio Medical Center for treatment. Willis was then flown to the Loma Linda University Medical Center for treatment for severe head trauma. Authorities said the child was on life support for several days and on March 29, 2019, she died as a result of the injuries caused by Hughes.

On March 27, 2019, both Hughes and Blake were arrested and booked for willful cruelty to a child. Blake was released the following day after posting bail. On March 29, 2019, after Willis' death, Hughes charged with her murder.

Hughes is being held without bond and his next court date is April 2 at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.