Charges upgraded to capital murder for man who allegedly abused - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

AUBURN, AL (WTVM) – Auburn Police were notified that the 5-year-old girl who was a victim of aggravated child abuse has died as a result of her injuries. 

Caley Presley, 5, passed away at Children's of Alabama hospital in Birmingham. The physician in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit pronounced her dead at 6:30 p.m. on Monday. 

"It has been a traumatic experience for all involved, but we are committed to bringing justice to Caley," Capt. Lorenza Dorsey said, with Auburn Police

Presley will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science Medical Examiner's office in Montgomery for an autopsy.

Auburn detectives are in the process of obtaining felony arrest warrants against the victim's stepfather, George Barton, for capital murder.

Barton is currently in custody at the Lee County Jail and is being held without bond. Barton was charged with domestic violence, child abuse and his charges have been upgraded to capital murder. 

Auburn investigators were called to a duplex located in the 1900 block of Rosie Street on June 7. Carswell said that police were called to the home at 12:07 p.m. on June 7 in reference to a child who was unresponsive and suffered a head injury. Investigators say Caley's mother was at work at the time of the beatings.

"What I can tell you is that she has not been charged the investigation is ongoing and it will be a thorough investigation," Capt. Dorsey said.

Barton was taken into custody and transported to the Lee County Detention Facility where he is being held without bond.

The Affidavit Charging Crime, obtained by WTVM News Leader 9, alleges that Barton admitted to beating the child with a belt causing significant injuries. 

"Once at UAB, the child was determined to have a broken clavicle, basilar skull fracture, broken femur, bruising all over her body, and numerous internal injuries," the affidavit said. "Stepfather George William Barton, who lives in the same home, was transported to the Auburn Police Department where he was interviewed. He provided police with a rights advised statement admitting to inflicting the injuries the child received with a belt over several different occasions over the course of approximately two days."

It's important to know what to look for and report regarding these type of incidents. Click here to learn about the warning signs of child abuse.

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