ANKENY — An Ankeny father has been charged with first-degree murder after the death of a toddler he is accused of injuring earlier this year.
Michael Anthony Lourens, 29, was arrested Monday on the murder charge and a count of child endangerment causing death. Police say the 9-month-old baby suffered a traumatic brain injury while in Lourens’ care on Jan. 20. Officials say the girl later died, leading to the new charges against Lourens.
Police say Lourens’ told officers he accidentally rolled over on the baby, causing her head to hit the floor.
Lourens remained in the Polk County Jail on Tuesday and could not be reached for comment. An attorney for him did not immediately return a message left late Tuesday afternoon.