RAEGAN PANICK- 22 Months/ Accused: Patrick Burkett (Mother's Boyfriend) Beaverdale, PA

Updated: 12:29 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012 | Posted: 1:12 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, 2012

Cambria Co. man charged with homicide in connection with toddler's death

By WJAC Web Staff

BEAVERDALE, Pa. — A Cambria County man was arraigned Tuesday morning on a homicide charge, accused of beating a toddler to death over the weekend.

State police said 25-year-old Patrick Burkett is in the Cambria County Jail.

Burkett was originally charged with assault and child endangerment, but the charges were changed late Monday afternoon.

Police said the 22-month-old girl, Reagan Panick, suffered a fractured skull, had severe brain damage and had multiple bruises over her body.

State police said the child suffered injuries consistent with being assaulted inside a home in Beaverdale.

Police said the child was found unresponsive by her mother on Friday, and the toddler had been in the care of Burkett. Police say Burkett is the boyfriend of the baby's mother.

The toddler was eventually taken to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, where she died Saturday evening.

State police plan a news conference at 1 p.m. Tuesday to release more details about the case. Stay with 6 News, WJACTV.com and WJACTV.com Mobile for continuing coverage.

http://www.wjactv.com/news/news/toddler-dies-massive-injuries-cambria-co-man-charg/nQ9bq/

Another POS boyfriend killing a defenseless baby. How many more are going to die before this is curtailed. Mothers! Wakeup and make sure you know exactly who is watching your baby. Do background checks or only allow trusted family to take care of your babies if you must work. Boyfriends who may be jealous or inexperienced when it comes to crying babies are not good babysitters.