FARMINGTON – A Wilton man accused of actions leading to the death of his girlfriend’s 17-month-old child was arraigned today in Franklin County Superior Court, pleading not guilty.
David Cook, 26, was arraigned on a charge of manslaughter, a Class A felony, after being indicted by a Franklin County grand jury on March 17.
“This is a class A felony,” Justice Michaela Murphy told Cook, “punishable by 30 years in a Maine state prison.”
Murphy granted Cook five weeks to file motions, two weeks longer than the standard 21 days allowed in simpler cases. Murphy, with the state and Cook’s attorney’s agreement, also said that a May trial date was likely impossible.
Cook had been charged with manslaughter, following an investigation into the Nov. 29 death of Matteo Hanson. A police affidavit indicates that Cook told investigators that Hanson died as the result of a fall down a flight of stairs in a two-story apartment, and that the toddler was either pushed by his three-year-old sister or fell accidentally on his own.
However, the state’s Medical Examiner’s Office has said that their examination of Hanson led them to believe that his injuries were the result of severe force, and could not have occurred via a fall. They also say the autopsy indicated signs of half-healed injuries, including rib fractures and contusions, as well as a fracture on the back of the child’s skull.
Today in court, Cook and his attorney did not attempt to argue for reduced bail, and it appears he will remain in jail for the time being. Cook has been held on $50,000 cash or $100,000 surety at the Franklin County Jail.
