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Child Abuse Suspect Charged With 1st Degree Murder

GREELEY, Colo. (CBS4)- The suspect arrested in connection with a child abuse case faced additional, more serious charges after the victim died.

John Melvin White remained in custody on Thursday facing additional charges of first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death in connection with the death of a two-year-old boy.

White, 33, is the boyfriend of the boy's mother. He was watching Michael Lara when police said he suffered severe injuries. Lara died Wednesday at Children's Hospital in Aurora.

Greeley Child Abuse Victim Michael Lara
Michael Lara (credit: CBS)

Police said White's account of what happened when Michael was injured changed several times. Investigators said White first told them the family dog knocked over the toddler, injuring him. Then he said he shook the toddler and slapped him to try to revive him.

In court documents, police said White admitted to being under the influence of drugs, that he used an IV to take drugs hours before he was left alone to car for Michael.

John White John Melvin White
John White (credit: CBS)

White may have waited more than 30 minutes to call for help and was possibly under the influence of drugs at the time.

The documents also reveal that evidence of past abuse was found on Michael's body.

On Thursday, people left balloons, candles and stuffed animals outside the home where Michael lived. He was just 2½ weeks away from his third birthday.

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