A Fort Riley soldier is charged with first-degree murder and child abuse in a death that occurred in February.

Twenty-two-year-old Alexander McConnell, of Manhattan, made his first court appearance Wednesday via video from the Riley County Jail.

Riley County officials have not released any information about the child who was killed. A criminal complaint says the child died from abuse.

McConnell was arrested Monday at Fort Riley, where he is a specialist.

McConnell’s next court appearance was scheduled for Oct. 14.

A judge denied McConnell’s request for a public defender.

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Associated Press information from: The Manhattan Mercury