Dad Charged With Murder in Death of 5 1/2-Week-Old Daughter

A 37-year-old California father has been charged with murder in the death of his weeks-old baby daughter.

The little girl was 5 1/2 weeks old when she died on Sunday after she was hospitalized for “numerous injuries,” according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.

Kevin Van Streefkerk faces five charges, including intentional murder and assault of a child resulting in death, KCRA reported. He is not eligible for bail.

The baby’s maternal grandfather said the alleged abuse happened on Saturday.

Van Streefkerk has worked at a state Office of Emergency Services maintaining radio equipment since 2016, the agency said. He also worked as a tennis coach at Mesa Verda High School lasts fall but is not currently employed by the school district.

Van Streefkerk pleaded not guilty to all charges against him on Friday, The Mountain Democrat reported. The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office said it had not decided whether to seek the death penalty in the case.

Judge Mark A. Ralphs approved a criminal protective order for the mother of the baby and set Van Streefkerk’s next court appearance for July 14.

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[Featured image: Kevin Van Streefkerk/El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office]