A suspect in the death of 10-and-a-half-month-old Mercedes Lain has now been charged with murder.
Justin Miller was previously charged with a Level 1 Felony count of neglect of a dependent resulting in death. Documents pertaining to the murder charge have been filed in Starke Circuit Court. More information will be presented once it is available.
Mercedes Lain was reported missing August 15. Her parents left Mercedes Lain in the care of Justin Miller, according to court documents. Lain reportedly died while in his care and he later allegedly disposed of her body in the area of 1025 E. and 50 N. in Starke County.
Preliminary autopsy results showed that the manner of the child’s death was homicide due to blunt force trauma, according to information released by Marshall County Prosecutor Nelson Chipman.
Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
