Suspect in baby's death admits violence

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) -- The parents of a 9-month-old are seeking justice after their baby was allegedly beaten to death last month.

The man accused of the child's death, Ethen Harrison, 23, was arraigned on murder charges Tuesday. He was initially charged with assault and child endangerment in the death of his girlfriend's infant daughter, but those charges have since been upgraded.

After his court appearance on Tuesday, the prosecutor revealed Harrison confessed to the police.

"When he was interviewed by the police, he eventually made statements where he admitted essentially assaulting the child in a manner we would say is consistent with the injuries the child had," said Stephen Nadeau, the prosecutor in this case.

Prosecutors say Harrison was alone with 9-month-old Ariel Eluziario when the infant was injured. Court documents show Harrison told police he was angry and slapped the child when she became fussy. He also admitted to tossing her on a bed, which she bounced off, hitting her head on the floor.

The baby later died at Rhode Island Hospital and the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.

• New Bedford Infant Dies, Man Charged

At a vigil back in February, the infant's babysitter said the family is having a tough time dealing with her death.

"She breaks down, then gets strong, but the parents are sticking together," said Sharon St. Pierre.

Harrison has been held without bail since pleading not guilty to the original charges.