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The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Mother's Boyfriend Charged in Death of 4-Year-Old Halii McCord

BROOKLYN — A Brooklyn man has been charged with murder in the beating death of his girlfriend's daughter, 4-year-old Halii McCord, prosecutors said on Friday.

Alicia McLaughlin told police that her boyfriend, Christopher Marshall, 23, choked and repeatedly smacked her and threatened to kill Halii hours before the girl was found dead, according to the criminal complaint.

"Both of you are going to learn that you talk too much," Marshall said as he walked between rooms in their Boulevard Houses apartment, according to the complaint.

McLaughlin said she saw Marshall strike Halii in the head, and soon after, Halii began to vomit, the complaint says.

Halii was found unconscious and unresponsive on Nov. 6 and rushed to Brookdale Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, police said.

The medical examiner's office said Halii died of a rupture to the lower bowel as a result of blunt force trauma, and ruled the death a homicide.

Marshall was charged with murder, manslaughter, assault, criminal obstruction of breathing and endangering the welfare of a child.

If convicted on the murder charge, Marshall faces 25 years to life in prison.