JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The Jackson man accused of beating his young daughter to death made his initial court appearance on Capital Murder charges Monday.
Johnny Williams, 28, turned away from cameras and had no comment after being denied bond in Jackson Municipal Court.
Williams entered a not guilty plea when he appeared before Judge Henry Clay.
He was arrested Friday and charged with the fatal beating of 18-month-old Jada Williams.
The toddler died last Tuesday and according to the coroner suffered severe bruising on her upper and lower torso.
Williams was also found in contempt of court for failure to complete a payment plan from a 2007 case.
His attorney, Kevin Camp, believes there was a medical issue with the child and said witnesses also refute claims that the child was abused.
"We've done quite a bit of investigation with witnesses and things of that nature who were with the child at the same time that he was with the child and what's been described at this point like the scalding and things of that nature none of that has been verified," said Camp.
Williams' preliminary hearing will be held in Hinds County Court.
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