Charges upgraded on Steven Darnell Lillie

Charges upgraded on Steven Darnell Lillie

Steven Darnell Lillie has been charged with third-degree felony murder, manslaughter and leaving a child under the age of six unsupervised in a motor vehicle. According to authorities, this stems from him allegedly leaving his baby daughter in his truck for approximately four hours.

These charges were filed Friday by State’s Attorney Phil Archer’s office. Lillie was originally arrested and booked on aggravated manslaughter. Third degree murder does not need proof of intent, but it does require proof that it was done during the commission of another felony. The other felony will be leaving a child under the age of six unsupervised in a motor vehicle.

Anna Marie Lillie was supposed to be dropped off at her grandmother’s by her father. The nine month old had been forgotten. Steven Darnell Lillie became aware of his mistake only after a relative called him to find Anna Marie later in the afternoon. Lillie called 911 and said he had “absolutely forgot about her.”

After losing his daughter, the torn dad expressed hope that if anything good comes from his child's death, it's that it brings awareness to other parents.

After losing his daughter, the torn dad expressed hope that if anything good comes from his child’s death, it’s that it brings awareness to other parents.

“He’s been cooperative the whole time, and he handled the arrest as well as it could be handled. He was emotional,” said Lt. Donna Seyferth, a spokeswoman for the Rockledge Police Department. “We investigated the case and applied the most appropriate charges. And we did step back and allow the family a chance to grieve, but it’s a fine line to walk, and ultimately, you had a child die. The rest will be up to a jury.”

An unnamed coworker told police that Lillie knew that his daughter was in the back seat asleep. He was supposed to unlock a door at work, drop someone off and the drop Anna Marie off. The door was unlocked, according to the coworker, so Lillie started working. The coworker’s statement, along with comments from Lillie, could be the reason for upgraded charges.

Lillie’s attorney, Jennifer Mostert, issued a statement on behalf of Lillie, which read,
‘Mr. Lillie and his family are disappointed that the State has elected to file formal charges against him for the accidental death of his daughter Anna on June 16th, 2014. This family has suffered an inconceivable loss, compounded by his almost immediate arrest and now by the filing of formal charges.’

steven darnell lillie

steven darnell lillie

Florida dad who said he ‘absolutely forgot’ about baby girl who died when left in hot car while he was at work charged with murder
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2732304/Florida-dad-said-absolutely-forgot-baby-girl-left-hot-car-work-charged-murder.html

Steven Darnell Lillie Charged in Fla. ‘Hot Car’ Death, Baby In Car 4 Hours
http://www.inquisitr.com/1428635/steven-darnell-lillie-charged-in-fla-hot-car-death-baby-in-car-4-hours/

Florida dad charged with aggravated manslaughter after leaving baby in pickup truck
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/fla-dad-charged-baby-dies-hot-truck-article-1.1837883