A new felony charge was filed this week against a man charged with the death of a 4-year-old child.
A third degree felony burglary charge was filed Tuesday against Michael C.R. Stapleton.
Stapleton, 26, is charged with three counts of murder and other felony charges in connection with the Nov. 29, 2015, death of Brett Jaynes II.
The new burglary charge was filed by Champaign County Prosecutor Kevin Talebi through a bill of information. The bill states that on or about Nov. 1 to Nov. 4, 2015, Stapleton trespassed into a Cable residence where he allegedly stole a Hi-Point .380 caliber handgun along with ammunition and money.
A status conference in his case was previously scheduled for Friday during a Feb. 24 status conference.
During the February hearing, Stapleton’s attorney, Christopher M. Bucci, informed the court that he had received additional supplemental discovery since the Jan. 19 status conference. He added he was seeking medical professionals who would speak on behalf of the defense if the case goes to trial.
Bucci said a meeting with Talebi was scheduled and that this would provide a better idea of where the case is headed.
Judge Nick Selvaggio reiterated during the hearing that the status conferences are to make sure the case is moving along and to bring up any issues before the court.
In January, Stapleton waived his right to a speedy trial and trial dates in the case were moved from February to June 6 through 10.
On the date of Jaynes’ death, the Champaign County Dispatch Center received a 911 call from Stapleton at 254 Gunn St., North Lewisburg, stating the child was non-responsive and experiencing labored breathing.
Following Jaynes’ death, bruises were observed on the head, face, abdomen, buttocks and legs of the child. A medical examiner made the preliminary conclusion that the cause of death was homicide as a result of a hemorrhage due to blunt force trauma to the abdomen and the head, causing internal bleeding.
If convicted, each murder charge against Stapleton holds an indefinite term of 15 years to life in prison.
