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Kansas man accused of killing child

Erin Mathews, The Salina Journal, Kan. –

An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for a Salina man accused of fatally abusing an 18-month-old Salina girl.

Salina police are seeking Troy Love II, 25, on charges of first-degree murder and child abuse in connection with the death of Bre’Elle Ciara Jefferson, said Lt. Scott Siemsen, criminal investigation commander with the Salina Police Department.

At 3:41 p.m. April 9, officers and medic units were sent to the 600 block of Gypsum in reference to a child not breathing. Bre’Elle was treated at Salina Regional Health Center and transferred to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, where she died April 10.

Family members and friends were remembering the toddler known as “Bree Bree” at a funeral Thursday afternoon at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church.

According to obituary information, the little girl is survived by her mother, Robin Harrington; her father, Brion C. Jefferson II; her older sister, Bre’Yanna C. Jefferson; and her younger brother, Brayden K. Jefferson.

Siemsen did not release further information about what Love’s relationship may have been to the child or her mother or if he was considered the care provider at the time the child’s fatal injuries occurred.

Siemsen said the warrant was issued because the investigation showed probable cause exists that the girl died as a result of injuries consistent with child abuse.

He referred additional questions to the Saline County Attorney’s Office, but Christina Trocheck, assistant county attorney who will be handling the case, could not be reached Thursday afternoon.

The police investigation is ongoing, and police ask that anyone with information call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit pd.salina.org and follow the Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. Tipsters may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 and are not required to give their name.

Walk to honor Bre’Elle

After it was announced that Bre’Elle’s death had been attributed to child abuse, Hannah Johnston, a co-organizer of an upcoming event designed to raise awareness of child abuse, said the Walk for Clayden on April 28 also would honor Bre’Elle.

Clayden Lee Urbanek was 14 months old when he was allegedly fatally abused in October.

Johnston was moved by the tragedy of that toddler’s death to organize the walk, set to start at 10:30 a.m. on the wooded trail around the YMCA.

“April is Child Abuse Prevention month,” Johnston said. “To have this happening again is devastating. Didn’t anyone pay attention when this happened the first time?”

She said Bre’Elle’s memory will be honored at the event, and her family members also will be invited to participate.

Court record detailed

Love, who is being sought on a warrant, has prior convictions.

According to Saline County District Court records, Love pleaded guilty to domestic battery in connection with an incident involving his sister that occurred July 5, 2008.

He received a six-month jail sentence that was suspended, and he was ordered to have an anger management assessment and no contact with his sister following the incident. Probation violations resulted in his probation being revoked and the sentence being imposed in January 2011.

According to an arrest affidavit, Love was arguing with his sister while she was driving, and she put her flat palm to his face to stop him. She told police he twisted her arm, forcing her to brake and pull the car over, and then he choked her and punched her. The responding officer and medical technicians found her dizzy, in pain and crying, according to the affidavit.

Love has charges pending against him for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The misdemeanor offenses allegedly occurred April 22, 2011. He had entered a not guilty plea.

In Salina Municipal Court, Love pleaded no contest to one count of criminal trespass in connection with an incident that occurred June 16, 2010. He received a suspended sentence of 30 days in jail, and was ordered to pay a $100 fine, $70 court costs and a $50 warrant fee. Court records indicated those fees and fine had not been paid.

He also pleaded guilty to a theft that occurred May 10, 2008, and had $345 in outstanding fees and fine remaining from that case.

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