South Dakota murder trial delayed until spring

ABERDEEN (AP) — The trial of a Waubay man accused of killing his 2-year-old daughter by shaking her has been delayed until mid-April in federal court in Aberdeen.

Mario Contreras has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges. The media reports that he was to go on trial this fall but his attorneys requested more time to prepare.

Authorities say 2-year-old Aleeya Cook of Sisseton died Jan. 11 after being violently shaken. Investigators say Contreras told them the toddler fell and hit her head while he was caring for her, but doctors said the girl's injuries were consistent with a shaken baby syndrome.

Contreras could face life in prison if convicted on the murder charge.

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