Maplewood Man Charged in Toddler’s Death

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (AP) — A 35-year-old Maplewood man is charged with murder in the beating death of an 18-month-old girl.

Prosecutors charged Leb Mike Meak on Friday.

Authorities say they were called to Meak's home on Thursday and arrived to find the girl was unresponsive, and had bruises on her face and body.

According to the criminal complaint, Meak is the boyfriend of the girl's mother. He was caring for the girl at his home. He allegedly told police that he "roughed her up a bit" when he was changing the girl's diaper, and he admitted to shaking the toddler. The charges say semen was also found in the girl's genital area.

Meak is making his first court appearance next week.